Breast Reconstruction first appointment

Your referral

Your GP or Consultant may refer you if:

• have had, or have, breast cancer
• have asymmetry concerns follow breast cancer treatment
• have been told that you are at an increased risk of getting breast cancer
• are a young man or woman with congenital issues.

At your appointment

You will see a Plastic Surgery Consultant with a Breast Reconstruction Nurse present.

We recommend that you bring someone with you to your appointment, as we will give you a lot of information.

The Plastic Surgery Consultant will ask about your medical history and do a physical examination of your breasts, back, abdomen and thighs.

They will then explain the breast reconstruction options available specifically to you. They will be able to advise whether the surgery can be performed as part of your mastectomy, or at a later date, for example, when you have finished chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.

Options

Options include:

• artificial breast implants, made of silicone gel or saline (sterile salt water)
• using your own tissue to create a breast (for example using your tummy or your back)
• a combination of artificial breast implant and body tissue reconstruction.