EASTERN SUBURBS BREAST SURGERY
Breast Reconstruction
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is surgery to rebuild the shape of the breast following a mastectomy. It is an important part of breast cancer treatment for many women — one that addresses not just the physical change of losing a breast, but the profound emotional and psychological impact that can accompany it.
Reconstruction can restore a natural breast shape, improve body symmetry, and for many women, plays a meaningful role in recovery and in reclaiming a sense of self after cancer treatment. It does not, however, restore normal breast sensation, and it is not a requirement — many women choose not to have reconstruction and live very well without it. The decision is entirely personal, and there is no right or wrong answer.
At Eastern Suburbs Breast Centre, reconstruction is discussed as part of your care from the very beginning. Dr Rhys van der Rijt and Dr Marc Langbart are specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeons with extensive experience across the full range of reconstructive techniques, and they work closely with our breast surgeons to ensure that your reconstructive options are considered at every stage of your surgical planning.
When Can Reconstruction Be Performed?
Breast reconstruction can be performed at two different points in your treatment journey.
Immediate Reconstruction
Immediate reconstruction is performed at the same time as your mastectomy, in the same operation. Where appropriate, this is our preferred approach. It means you wake from surgery with a reconstructed breast already in place, avoiding the experience of a flat chest wall, and in many cases producing a superior aesthetic result because the natural skin envelope of the breast is preserved.
Delayed Reconstruction
Delayed reconstruction is performed as a separate operation, weeks, months, or even years after your mastectomy. It may be recommended if you require radiotherapy after your mastectomy — as radiation can affect the outcome of some reconstructive techniques — or if you simply need more time before making a decision about reconstruction. It is never too late to explore your options.
Your surgical team will discuss which timing is most appropriate for your situation, taking into account your cancer treatment plan, your overall health, and your personal preferences.
Breast Reconstruction Techniques
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DIEP Flap Reconstruction
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Implant Based Breast Reconstruction
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Other Autologous (own tissue) Reconstruction
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Nipple Reconstruction
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Choosing the Right Reconstruction for You
There is no single best type of breast reconstruction. The right choice depends on many factors, including:
Your body shape and anatomy
Whether you require radiotherapy as part of your treatment
The size and shape of your natural breast and your goals for the reconstructed breast
Your general health and fitness
Your personal preferences regarding surgery, recovery, and long-term outcome
Whether you wish to avoid implants or prefer to use your own tissue
Reconstruction broadly falls into two categories — implant-based reconstruction and autologous (own-tissue) reconstruction — and in some cases a combination of both is used. Dr van der Rijt and Dr Langbart will take the time to walk you through all of the options relevant to your situation and help you understand what each involves before any decisions are made.
Reconstruction is Part of Your Care
Breast reconstruction is not a cosmetic luxury - it is a legitimate and important component of breast cancer treatment. Research consistently shows that reconstruction has a positive impact on quality of life, body image, and psychological wellbeing following mastectomy.
At Eastern Suburbs Breast Centre, we believe every woman deserves to have a thorough, unhurried conversation about her reconstructive options - before her mastectomy, with surgeons who perform these procedures at the highest level, and with the full support of a coordinated multidisciplinary team behind her.
If you are facing a mastectomy and would like to discuss reconstruction, or if you have already had a mastectomy and are now considering your options, we warmly encourage you to contact our rooms to arrange a consultation.
This page is intended as general patient information only and does not replace individualised medical advice. Please discuss your specific situation with your treating surgeon.
Private Expertise, Coordinated Care
All five of our surgeons hold appointments at two of Sydney’s leading public teaching hospitals. This keeps us at the forefront of evidence-based practice, clinical research, and multidisciplinary care. We bring that same standard of excellence to our private practice, with operating privileges across leading private hospitals throughout the Eastern Suburbs. Whatever your circumstances, you have access to a team working at the highest level.