Your guide to reconstruction

Reconstruction decision guide

Every woman has the right to choose her path. Explore the four key decisions in breast reconstruction and the advantages and considerations of each option.

Decision 1 of 4

Immediate or delayed reconstruction?

Reconstruction can begin during the mastectomy operation, or months to years later once treatment is complete. Both are valid paths.

Risk-reducing mastectomy with immediate reconstructionBoth breasts after nipple-sparing mastectomy through hidden incisions in the breast fold, with immediate reconstruction preserving the skin and nipples. HIDDEN FOLD INCISION NIPPLE AND SKIN PRESERVED IMMEDIATE RECONSTRUCTION

ImmediateAt the time of mastectomy

Advantages

  • You wake up with a breast shape already in place
  • Breast skin can often be preserved for a natural result
  • Fewer operations in total in many cases

Considerations

  • A longer first operation and recovery
  • Planned radiotherapy may affect the result
  • Decisions are made during an already busy time
Delayed reconstruction after mastectomyA flat chest with a mastectomy scar is rebuilt months or years later using a skin paddle from transferred tissue to replace the missing skin and volume. MASTECTOMY SCAR NEW SKIN PADDLE Years after mastectomyAfter reconstruction

DelayedMonths or years later

Advantages

  • Time to finish cancer treatment and decide calmly
  • Irradiated skin can be assessed before choosing a technique
  • Possible at any time — there is no deadline

Considerations

  • A period of living without a breast
  • Missing skin usually needs replacing, often with your own tissue
  • An additional operation
Delayed reconstruction guide

Your surgeon will recommend the options that are suitable for you after reviewing your history and examining you.

A patient and doctor talking during a consultation
Time to ask questions — your options are explained clearly and without pressure.
A smiling woman in natural light
The aim is a natural result that feels like part of you.
Two friends embracing outdoors
Many women find strength in the people who accompany them on this journey.

Typical journeys

Three paths to reconstruction

Illustrative examples of how reconstruction is commonly planned.

Delayed reconstruction after mastectomyA flat chest with a mastectomy scar is rebuilt months or years later using a skin paddle from transferred tissue to replace the missing skin and volume. MASTECTOMY SCAR NEW SKIN PADDLE Years after mastectomyAfter reconstruction
After breast cancer

Mastectomy and radiotherapy three years ago

  1. Online review of reports and photographs
  2. DIEP flap planned — healthy tissue replaces irradiated skin
  3. About 14 days in Istanbul
  4. Second short visit: symmetry and nipple
Risk-reducing mastectomy with immediate reconstructionBoth breasts after nipple-sparing mastectomy through hidden incisions in the breast fold, with immediate reconstruction preserving the skin and nipples. HIDDEN FOLD INCISION NIPPLE AND SKIN PRESERVED IMMEDIATE RECONSTRUCTION
Preventive (BRCA)

BRCA2 carrier choosing risk-reducing surgery

  1. Plan coordinated with breast surgeon and genetics
  2. Nipple-sparing mastectomy, immediate reconstruction
  3. About 10 days in Istanbul
  4. Remote follow-up after returning home
Poland syndrome reconstructionOne side of the chest with an absent chest muscle and underdeveloped breast, compared with the result after staged reconstruction restoring breast volume and the front fold of the armpit. MISSING CHEST MUSCLEUNDERDEVELOPED BREAST & NIPPLE VOLUME & MUSCLE FOLD RESTOREDPoland syndromeAfter staged reconstruction
Congenital difference

Poland syndrome — one side underdeveloped

  1. Photographs from front and both sides
  2. Staged plan: expander, then definitive reconstruction
  3. Two visits several months apart
  4. Fat grafting to refine the chest contour

Illustrative examples of typical journeys — not individual patients. Every plan is decided after a personal assessment.

Questions

About the decisions

Do I have to choose between implant and own tissue before my consultation?

No. The guide helps you understand the options; your surgeon recommends what is suitable after reviewing your history and examining you.

Can implant and own-tissue techniques be combined?

Yes. A latissimus dorsi flap is often combined with an implant, and fat grafting can refine both implant and flap reconstructions.

Which option needs the fewest trips to Istanbul?

Single-stage implant reconstruction and own-tissue reconstruction often need one main visit, followed by a shorter visit for refinements if required.

Information & application

Considering breast reconstruction?

You do not need to decide on a surgical technique before contacting us. Share your treatment history and what you hope to achieve — your case will be assessed individually.

  • Individual review by Dr. Fatih Kılıç
  • Reply from our international patient team
  • Your details are kept confidential
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