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What are the major types of breast reconstruction available to patients who have had breast cancer surgery?

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Last Modified: May 8, 2009

Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts,"

What are the major types of breast reconstruction available to patients who have had breast cancer surgery?

Rachel McKenna, MSN, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, responds:

There are 3 major types of breast reconstruction. The first is a tissue expander/implant reconstruction. The second uses all your own tissues, typically from the abdomen but can come from your buttock or thighs. The third, less common option is a combination of the 2 methods using your own tissue from the back, the latisimus muscle, plus an implant underneath.