Breast Reconstruction

What is breast reconstruction surgery?

Facing breast cancer surgery can be overwhelming. As plastic surgeons, we offer a range of reconstructive options (including implants, oncoplastic techniques, and autologous (your own tissue) reconstruction) to help restore form and confidence. Drs. Mahoney and Yeung are here to guide you every step of the way with honest, empathetic, expert care.

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Before & After Photos

Before

After

Patient 01

Patient Number

142039

This very lovely patient wanted to undergo a facelift to address the deep nasolabial folds and jowls in their mid/lower face. They underwent this procedure to achieve a more refreshed, youthful appearance.

Timeline 3 months post-op Surgeon Dr. Celine Yeung

Before

After

Patient 02

Patient Number

142040

Description

Timeline Timeline Surgeon Surgeon

Before

After

Patient 03

Patient Number

142041

Description

Timeline Timeline Surgeon Surgeon

Before

After

Patient 04

Patient Number

142042

Description

Timeline Timeline Surgeon Surgeon

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What to expect

Pre-op

Before Surgery

Click here to learn more about what to expect during consultation.

Who is a good candidate?

• Varies depending on reconstruction approach used and the cancer treatments that are required
• BMI ideally less than 30-35
• Nonsmokers
• Realistic expectations and goals

How to Prepare for Surgery

• You will need to do bloodwork, an ECG, and additional imaging as needed
• Stop smoking for 4-6 weeks
• Avoid herbal supplements for 2 weeks
• Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatories for 1 week
• Ask whether you need to hold certain medications before surgery

Risk & Complications

Procedure

On the Day of Surgery

Click here to learn what to expect on the day of your operation.

Anesthesia

• General

Duration of Surgery

• Varies depending on the reconstruction approach selected (e.g. immediate vs delayed, implant-based vs using your own tissue for reconstruction, etc.)

Incisions

• Varies depending on the reconstruction approached used

Please bring all your home medications.

Post-op

After Surgery

Click here to learn what to expect with your recovery and long-term results.

Wound care

• You will be given specific instructions on how to manage your wound care and possible drain care after surgery. Please follow these instructions closely.

Sutures

• Removed within 2 weeks

Return to light work

• 3-4 weeks

Return to regular activity or exercise

• 6-8 weeks, depending on the reconstructive approch taken

Please follow all of the specific instructions given to you and attend your follow-up appointment as arranged.

/04 Support

Frequently Asked Questions.

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There is no single "right" timeline; it depends entirely on your cancer treatment plan and personal readiness. Immediate Reconstruction is performed at the exact same time as your mastectomy, which often provides a psychological benefit because you wake up with a breast mound already in place, and it reduces the total number of surgeries. Delayed reconstruction is performed months or even years after your mastectomy. This is often recommended if you need radiation therapy (which can affect healing and the final cosmetic result) or if you simply need time to focus purely on your cancer recovery first.

You will meet the entire surgical team, including the nurses and anesthesiologists. Markings will be done with you standing or lying down. After implant-based surgery, you will go home. After autologous (your own tissue) flap reconstruction, you will be admitted to the ICU where the flaps will be monitored closely.

In general, there are risks of infection, scarring, bleeding, anaesthesia risks, or wound complications. For implant-based breast reconstruction, there are risks of capsular contracture, implant malposition/migration, rupture, asymmetry. For flap reconstruction, there are risks of flap necrosis, mastectomy flap complications, wound dehiscence, and abdominal bulge.

Reconstruction is rarely a single surgery; it is a staged process. While the first surgery creates the foundation, most patients require at least one or two additional, smaller procedures. These might include swapping a tissue expander for a permanent implant, performing a lift or reduction on the opposite breast to ensure perfect symmetry, and eventually, recreating the nipple and areola.

Yes. In Ontario, breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy or lumpectomy (whether for a cancer diagnosis or as a preventative (prophylactic) measure due to genetic risks like BRCA) is generally fully covered by OHIP. This includes surgery on the opposite, healthy breast to achieve symmetry.