Research consistently shows that breast reconstruction after mastectomy significantly improves patients' quality of life, self-confidence, and emotional well-being. At Blooming Plastische Chirurgie, our surgeons guide you through all reconstruction options — from implant-based procedures to advanced techniques using your own tissue. Many women report feeling whole again and regaining a positive body image after reconstruction. Choosing the right method and timing with your plastic surgeon ensures the best possible outcome and a smoother recovery journey.
Approximately 3,600 to 6,000 women undergo a mastectomy each year, often as a result of cancer. This is experienced as a major procedure both physically and emotionally. Almost 15% of these women subsequently undergo a breast reconstruction; an operation that can significantly improve their quality of life. The vast majority of women choose to live without a breast (with or without a breast prosthesis in their bra), but others feel more comfortable when the breast is reconstructed.
It has been proven that breast reconstruction contributes to recovery after breast cancer. The loss of a breast is a life-changing event and causes many women to experience difficulties on a psychological, social and sexual level. Reconstruction, on the other hand, often helps a woman feel confident again in psychological, social and sexual terms. Women are generally very satisfied with the result of a breast reconstruction and feel mentally stronger after the operation.
Different Methods of Breast Reconstruction
There are various methods for reconstructing a breast. The reconstruction can take place directly during the mastectomy or some time after the amputation. The plastic surgeon will discuss in advance which method is most suitable.
- The simplest way to create a new breast is to implant a prosthesis beneath the skin. With this method, the surgeon introduces the prosthesis through the scar from the amputation, so that no new scar is created.
- When there is insufficient skin to cover the new breast, the surgeon implants a tissue expander prosthesis. The prosthesis is a type of empty balloon that is filled with a physiological saline solution over four to eight weeks until the desired cup size is achieved. The skin is thereby gradually stretched. The permanent prosthesis can then be placed.
- In the case of damaged skin or removal of a large chest muscle, the surgeon can take muscle and skin from the back and use these to create a new breast. A prosthesis can also be added in this procedure.
- If the skin is damaged, it is also possible to create a new breast from skin and fatty tissue from the lower abdomen. A breast is then constructed without a prosthesis. The breast consists of the patient's own (abdominal) fat.
- In addition to breast reconstructions, nipple reconstructions also exist to complete the breast. For the areola, the surgeon uses skin from the groin, armpit, upper thigh or ear. A nipple can also be constructed by means of a tattoo.
Coverage of Costs
Health insurers cover the costs of a breast reconstruction. A breast reconstruction is not regarded as a cosmetic procedure, but as a treatment to restore the consequences of a mastectomy as fully as possible. In addition, our surgeons only perform breast reconstructions in the hospital, not at the clinic. This applies to all the procedures mentioned.