Breast Reconstruction

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis brings numerous challenges, from navigating treatment options to coping with emotional and physical changes. At UPMC, we understand these challenges and support your journey with compassionate care and advanced surgical options tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Contact UPMC Plastic Surgery

To learn about your options or find a surgeon, call 412-648-9670.

What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction surgically restores the shape, appearance, and symmetry of the breast following a mastectomy. Options include implants, using your body's own tissue (autologous reconstruction), or a combination of both. Reconstruction is a deeply personal decision; some women may choose external prosthetics or forego reconstruction altogether.

An early consultation with our plastic surgeons will provide clarity on your available options, aiding in integrated treatment planning alongside your cancer care.

Is Breast Reconstruction Right for Me?

You may want to consider breast reconstruction if you are hoping to:

• Enhance femininity and overall well-being.
• Improve comfort and breast symmetry.
• Restore body image and self-confidence.

The timing of breast reconstruction can vary, depending on your preference as part of your health care journey.

• Immediate reconstruction – Conducted simultaneously with mastectomy, allowing you to wake up with a reconstructed breast.
• Delayed reconstruction – Performed months or years later. This option often is chosen if additional cancer treatments like radiation therapy are required first, providing additional time for decision-making.

Conditions We Treat

Our breast reconstruction specialists address a broad spectrum of needs, including:

• Breast asymmetry and revision procedures.
• Breast cancer and prophylactic mastectomies due to genetic risks.
• Complications from previous surgeries.
• Congenital conditions (breast asymmetry, tuberous breasts, macromastia).
• Enhancements for breast volume and contour irregularities.
• Management of radiation-induced breast changes.
• Prevention and treatment of lymphedema.
• Surgical corrections for implant-related issues.

Procedures and Treatments Offered

Our board-certified plastic surgeons provide advanced, personalized solutions, including:

Implant-based reconstruction

• Direct-to-implant (immediate placement during mastectomy).
• Tissue expanders followed by permanent implants.

Autologous (flap) reconstruction

• Utilizing natural tissue from your abdomen, back, thighs, or buttocks.

Goldilocks procedure

• Natural breast reconstruction technique that reshapes remaining mastectomy tissue to create a smaller, reconstructed breast without implants or complex flap surgery.

Fat grafting

• Enhancing breast shape and contour by transferring your own fat tissue.

Additional specialized procedures

• Breast symmetrization and revision surgery.
• Nerve reconstruction – Restoring sensation to the breast after mastectomy.
• Nipple-areola reconstruction.
• Scar treatments and 3D nipple tattooing.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

Your initial consultation is a comprehensive and personalized experience where your plastic surgeon will:

• Conduct a thorough medical and physical evaluation.
• Discuss your goals and available surgical techniques.
• Explain implant-based, autologous (flap), and fat grafting options.
• Share insights about immediate versus delayed reconstruction.
• Address your questions and concerns.
• Offer to connect you with former patients who have undergone reconstruction.

Schedule your consultation today and start your journey with UPMC’s compassionate, expert team.

Why Choose UPMC?

UPMC’s tradition of innovation and excellence spans more than 50 years, making us leaders in breast reconstruction. Our multidisciplinary team combines surgical expertise with comprehensive, compassionate care to support your health, recovery, and confidence.

Our Locations

Pittsburgh

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By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-07-07.