Immediate vs. Delayed
Charleston Breast Reconstruction

It’s important for you to know that you have many options when it comes to breast reconstruction. If you live in or near Charleston, breast reconstruction is a viable option as part of your immediate treatment plan with Dr. O’Neill. Many women prefer to address reconstruction at the time of their mastectomy while others may choose to have their breast reconstructed weeks, months or even years later. In Charleston, breast reconstruction can be performed by Dr. O’Neill when the time is right for you.

Immediate Reconstruction

If your surgeon believes that you are a suitable candidate, you may choose to reconstruct your breast at the same time as your mastectomy. This procedure is known as immediate breast reconstruction.

During immediate reconstruction, your general surgeon completes the mastectomy and your plastic surgeon will begin to reconstruct your breast during the same operation. Immediate breast reconstruction offers many advantages, including the possibility of fewer scars, fewer surgeries, and the possibility of waking up with reconstructed breast(s).

Delayed Reconstruction

Many women feel they need time to complete their cancer treatment before deciding whether or not to undergo breast reconstruction. There are a number of reasons for delaying reconstruction which include:

• You or a member of your surgical team, feel that it is best to delay the reconstructive procedure due to post-mastectomy chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
• You may be concerned about recurrence of breast cancer and may want to wait longer before your reconstruction.
• You may be feeling overwhelmed by all of the options and decide to treat the cancer first, and concentrate on breast reconstruction later.

For more information, please click on one of the following:

• DIEP Flap Reconstruction
• GAP and Other Free Flap Reconstruction
• Latissumus Flap Reconstruction
• Implant Reconstruction