Why Choose Immediate Reconstruction?

Choosing immediate reconstruction reduces the number of surgeries required, lessens the psychological impact of losing a breast, and helps initiate the process of reclaiming one’s body image. When medically feasible, this option also provides optimal conditions for implant integration, as the skin envelope is preserved and vascularization remains intact.

Indications and Surgical Options

Immediate implant-based reconstruction is typically offered after prophylactic mastectomy or for cancers that do not require postoperative radiotherapy. It can be performed in one or two stages:

• Single-stage reconstruction: A permanent implant is placed directly behind the pectoral muscle during the same operation.

• Two-stage reconstruction: A temporary tissue expander is inserted to gradually stretch the skin before placing a permanent implant.

In some cases, lipofilling (fat grafting) may be used to enhance aesthetic outcomes, soften implant contours, or improve tissue quality.

Other reconstructive techniques are also available, particularly without the use of a prosthesis, including autologous flaps (such as DIEP or latissimus dorsi flaps) or standalone lipofilling, allowing for a tailored solution to each clinical situation.