Breast reconstruction

There are many different reconstruction techniques available. Your healthcare team can talk to you about the options that may be right for you.

There are two main techniques for reconstructing your breast:

• Implant reconstruction: Inserting an implant that's filled with salt water, also called saline, silicone gel or a combination of the two.
• Autologous or "flap" reconstruction: Using tissue transplanted from another part of your body, such as your belly, thigh, or back. Autologous reconstruction also may include an implant.

You also can choose whether or not to reconstruct your nipple.

In some cases nipple-sparing mastectomy is possible, which means that your own nipple and the surrounding breast skin are preserved.