Breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction can take place at the time of the mastectomy or later once your cancer treatment is complete.

Our team will discuss which option may be appropriate for you. Decisions are individualised and are based on several factors. This includes your general fitness, smoker status and the type of breast cancer you have. If you require further treatment, that will also be considered.

Our breast and plastic surgery colleagues offer a complete range of implant-based or tissue-based reconstructions. As part of deciding what is right for you, you may be seen in both our breast surgery and plastic surgery clinics.

These appointments are attended and coordinated by our team of breast reconstruction nurse specialists. They are here to help guide and support you at each step.

This technique uses a synthetic implant or expander. It is placed under the breast skin or chest muscle to re-create a breast shape. Sometimes, an internal bra is used to support the implant inside. This can be made from some of the breast skin or specially processed tissue.

This technique uses some of your tissue to re-create a breast shape. This can involve using the muscle from your back or stomach. Other options include thighs or bottom.  

Only certain ladies are suitable for this type of reconstruction. It also has a long recovery period. Your surgeon and nurse specialist will be able to discuss this further with you.

The most common microsurgical procedure we carry out is a tummy flap. Tissue is taken from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast. We also use microsurgery to reconstruct with other areas such as the thighs or bottom. This type of surgery can only take place at NSECH.

Nipple Areola complex micropigmentation is a medical tattoo. It involves pigment (colour) being implanted into the skin of your breast reconstruction to re-create the colour and shape of the nipple-areola complex. This procedure aims to create an areola that is as realistic as possible. Please be aware that it will not match 100% to the opposite nipple/areola. The pigment is applied using a pen-like device loaded with a sterile cartridge (containing needles). The needles move up and down at a rapid rate to penetrate the outer and inner layers of skin to implant the pigment. This can be performed by our breast reconstruction specialist nurses in the clinic.

Our clinical nurse specialists are integral members of our breast reconstruction team. The nurse specialist (key worker) is a key point of contact for patients and their families/carers. They will be available throughout diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. As part of the routine process, you will meet them to be counselled regarding your surgery.

They can provide emotional, psychological and educational advice to patients. This can be done in the clinical environment or over the telephone. They can clarify any information given or discuss any concerns/options patients may have.

Mrs Serra – plastic, reconstructive and oncoplastic surgeon

Mr Nicoli – plastic and reconstructive surgery

Mr Bhatti – plastic surgeon

Mr McLean – plastic surgeon

Mrs Townend – oncoplastic breast surgeon

Mr Youssef – oncoplastic breast surgeon

  • Breast reconstruction specialist nurses - 0191 293 4337 (Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm)
  • Out-of-office contact - 0191 2934364

  • Surgical Helpline - 0344 811 8111 – ask to be connected

 

Breast care