Deciding About Breast Reconstruction

If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is facing a mastectomy, the question of having immediate reconstruction may come up. Breast reconstruction is done by a plastic surgeon, and in the past, has not been considered part of therapeutic care. However, today it is possible to have a skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, and your health insurance may help cover the costs.

You may still be dealing with the impact of a cancer diagnosis, and have discussed potential treatment plans with an oncologist. With all these decisions before you, how do you decide if reconstruction is for you? Here are a dozen questions you can ask your surgeon, to help you decide.