Reconstructive Timeline

Please click below to find out what to expect during your breast reconstructive surgery and recovery.

Initial Consultation

  • Immediate reconstruction (reconstruction at time of mastectomy) can be scheduled within 72 hours if:

  • Patient recently diagnosed with breast cancer
  • Patient has need for mastectomy as soon as possible
  • Coordinated with our Breast Oncologic Surgeons to be done in conjunction with mastectomy

  • Delayed breast reconstruction is usually scheduled 3 to 4 months or beyond initial consultation if:

  • Patient has previously had mastectomy
  • Patient has congenital chest wall deformity (Poland’s syndrome)
  • Patient has suffered breast implant failure and needs augmentation with her body’s own tissue

  • Visit usually about 90 minutes

  • Obtain patient history and discuss options
  • Physical examination
  • Clinical photography Initiate plans for scheduling surgery (as noted above)
  • Instruction packet given
  • Need for lab tests determined
Pre-op visit

  • Usually about 30 minutes

  • Review consent forms if not completed at initial visit

  • Review plan and discuss remaining questions or concerns

  • Apply operative markings

  • Pre-surgical instructions reviewed

  • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight
  • Time to arrive and directions to check-in
  • Instructions for family members
First Stage Reconstruction

  • Soft tissue restoration and transfer

  • First night in SICU
  • Following 3 nights in regular hospital room

  • Post-op visit

  • One week after surgery
  • Usually about 15 minutes
  • Check reconstructive sites
  • Removal of drains if indicated
  • Instruction for wound care and activity
  • Review of care instructions for out-of-town patients

  • Follow-up visits

  • Usually about 15 minutes
  • Check reconstructive sites
  • Suture removal if indicated
  • Initiate planning for Second Stage Reconstruction
Second Stage Reconstruction

  • 8 to 12 weeks or beyond First Stage Reconstruction

  • Delayed until chemotherapy or radiation completed if required

  • Procedures done on outpatient basis

  • Nipple reconstruction
  • Breast contouring and refinement
  • Donor site scar revision or contouring if required
  • Reduction, augmentation, or breast lift on opposite side if required for symmetry

  • Pre-op visit Usually about 30 minutes

  • Discuss plan and patient wishes, concerns
  • Apply pre-surgical markings
  • Clinical photography
  • Review consent forms
  • Instructions for patient and family
  • - Nothing to eat after midnight
  • - Time to arrive and directions to check-in

  • Post-op visit

  • May be arranged with local physician for out-of-town patients
  • One week after surgery
  • Usually ~15 minutes
  • Check reconstructive sites
  • Removal of drains if indicated
  • Instruction for wound care and activity
  • Initiate planning for Third Stage Reconstruction
Third Stage Reconstruction

  • 8 weeks or beyond Second Stage Reconstruction

  • Pigment application (medical tattooing) to nipple areol

  • Minor office procedure about 30 minutes to 2 hours

  • (depending on whether unilateral or bilateral)

  • Care instructions given

  • Return appointment scheduled

Follow-up appointment

  • about 6 weeks after tattooing

  • Final check breast reconstruction

  • Clinical photography

  • Discuss scheduling annual follow-up visits