Breast reconstruction may be carried out as an immediate reconstruction or as a delayed reconstruction, meaning you will have surgery at a later stage, weeks or even years later. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The operation would have been performed at the same time as the mastectomy surgery to remove breast cancer.
One advantage of having an immediate reconstruction is that you would have started along the reconstruction path as soon as you wake up from the anaesthetic. An immediate reconstruction could be a breast implant, tissue expander, DIEP, LD or even TUG [read more about breast implant types here].
If you have decided to opt for reconstructive surgery at a later stage this would allow you to work on your recovery in two phases.
A delayed reconstruction is normally performed a minimum of 6 months to 1 year after completion of radiotherapy, to allow the tissues to soften.
Breast Surgery · McIndoe Surgical Centre