Breast reconstruction is a deeply personal choice for women who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy. If you proceed with reconstruction, choosing the right timing—immediate or delayed—is one of the major decisions you’ll make.
At McCue Plastic Surgery in Plymouth, MN, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan McCue specializes in breast reconstruction. He’s a recognized leader in the field and a widely published author on reconstructive techniques.
Alongside his extensive training and expertise, Dr. McCue is known for his uniquely empathetic nature. He treats our patients respectfully, always providing expert guidance while remaining highly attuned to each woman’s needs and wishes.
Our blog today discusses immediate versus delayed reconstruction and the way they work.
Understanding Immediate and Delayed Breast Reconstruction
Immediate reconstruction happens at the time of a mastectomy. This option allows patients to wake up from surgery with the initial stages of breast reconstruction already complete. Delayed reconstruction takes place weeks, months, or even years after the mastectomy.
Comparing Immediate and Delayed Reconstruction
Both timing options have unique benefits:
Immediate Reconstruction Offers:
- Fewer surgeries overall
- Immediate restoration of breast shape
- Potentially easier emotional recovery (no time without breasts)
Delayed Reconstruction Offers:
- Flexibility to complete cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiation) first
- Additional planning time for reconstruction decisions
- A more customized approach based on the healing progress
Reconstruction Techniques
Techniques vary based on unique patient needs and when the procedure is performed. They can include:
- Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: Uses saline or silicone implants to create a new breast contour. Dr. McCue may place the implants immediately after the mastectomy. Some women need tissue expanders first, which gradually stretch the skin and create an area for the implant, before a separate surgery to place the implant.
- Tissue-Based Breast Reconstruction: When there’s too little chest wall tissue to support an implant, tissue-based reconstruction can help. With this approach, Dr. McCue takes a flap of skin, fat, and sometimes muscle, from the belly (as in a DIEP flap), back, or other body areas. The flap goes underneath the skin to the chest and retains its original blood supply. This procedure may be combined with an implant.
- Free Flap Reconstruction: Free flap reconstruction takes tissue-based techniques one step further by completely detaching the flap before transferring it to the chest. Dr. McCue uses highly advanced microvascular surgery to link blood vessels to the flap, providing a new blood supply. Although the most complex and time-consuming approach, it often produces the most natural results.
- Symmetry Procedures: Creating a natural-looking balance between the reconstructed and natural breasts is important to many women. Dr. McCue can reach that goal with symmetry enhancement procedures, such as breast lifts, breast reductions, or breast augmentations of the opposite breast.
Breast Reconstruction in Plymouth, MN
At McCue Plastic Surgery in Plymouth, MN, we’re here for expert guidance on breast reconstruction timing and techniques. Call 952-830-0089 to schedule your consultation.
