:Breast reconstruction is a surgery done to reshape a breast that has undergone mastectomy or breast removal. The surgical procedure may include the use of implants, changing the appearance of either breasts for symmetry, or creating a nipple to the reconstructed breast. The purpose of breast implants and reconstruction is to maintain proper proportionality when a woman wears clothes.

The two kinds of post-mastectomy reconstruction are muscle flap reconstruction and use of breast implants. The suitable procedure depends on the patient's health, age, built, and purpose of the procedure. Therefore, discussing with the doctor the pros and cons of the operations as well as the expected results is necessary.

For muscle flap reconstruction, tissue taken from the stomach, buttocks, or back is used and an implant may be used if necessary. This kind of surgery is longer compared to the implant procedure and leaves a scar on the breast and the area where the tissue was removed. However, it produces a reconstructed breast that feels and appears natural. Patients who suffer from diabetes, vascular, or connective tissue problems, as well as those who smoke, might not be allowed to have this kind of procedure due to the operation's impact on the blood vessels.

The other kind of breast reconstruction is the use of implants. It involves the use of a silicone shell that contains either saline or silicone gel and may include the use of a tissue expander. The kind of implant to be used will depend on the approval of the doctor as there are certain restrictions imposed on the use of implants.