Breast Reconstruction Timeline

Key Points for Breast Reconstruction Patients at Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Typical Breast Reconstruction Timelines After Mastectomy

Step 1 - Initial Consultation

If you believe that you’re ready for breast reconstruction after a breast cancer diagnosis, the first step will be to sit down for a consultation with one of our reconstructive surgeons at Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. The initial consultation typically takes around an hour and includes the following:

Review of patient history and discussing all reconstruction options
Physical examination
Clinical photography
Discussing when to schedule surgery
Reviewing instruction packets
Determining which lab tests will be needed

Immediate reconstruction at the time of the mastectomy can be scheduled within one to three weeks if the following criteria are met:

Patient was recently diagnosed with breast cancer
Patient needs a mastectomy as soon as possible
Coordinated with our oncological breast surgeons

However, delayed reconstruction will usually be scheduled three to four months after the initial consultation in the following situations:

Patient has previously had a mastectomy
Patient has a congenital chest wall deformity (for example, Poland's syndrome)
Patient has suffered breast implant failure from a previous reconstruction

Step 2 - Pre-Op Visit (May Be Combined With Initial Consultation in Some Cases)

Typically, the next step after the initial consultation will be a pre-op visit, which will include the following:

Review of consent forms if not completed at initial consultation
Review of CT-A scan results, if applicable
Review of the plan and discussion of remaining concerns
In some cases, application of operative markings

You and your surgeon will also review preoperative instructions, including the following:

Nothing to eat or drink after midnight
When to arrive and where to check in
Instructions for family members

Step 3 - First Stage Reconstruction

After the preoperative visit, the next step in the breast reconstruction process will be the first stage of reconstruction. Living tissue reconstruction requires a three-day in-patient hospital stay. All other reconstructive procedures are normally outpatient (returning home the same day). After this procedure, you will have your first postoperative visit:

Normally one week after surgery
Usually 15 to 30 minutes
Checking reconstructive sites
Removal of drains, if ready
Instructions for wound care and activity
Reviewing care instructions

After that, you will have scheduled follow-up visits with your doctor:

Usually 15 to 30 minutes
Checking reconstructive sites
Suture removal, if indicated
Expanding of tissue expander, if applicable
Initiation of plan for second stage of reconstruction, if necessary

Step 4 - Second Stage Reconstruction (When Necessary)

For some breast reconstruction patients, a second stage of reconstruction will be necessary. This procedure will usually be at least 12 weeks after the first stage, and it may be delayed until the completion of chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Before the procedure, you’ll have a pre-op visit:

Usually about 30 minutes
Discussion of patient goals and concerns, refining treatment plan
In some cases, application of pre-surgical markings
Clinical photography
Review of consent forms
Review of instructions, time to arrive, and directions to check in at hospital

This will be followed by an outpatient hospital procedure, which may include the following:

Nipple reconstruction
Breast contouring to refine shape
Donor site scar revision or contouring, if needed
Reduction, augmentation, or breast lift to opposite side if needed for symmetry

Step 5 - In-Office Nipple Tattooing

Once your main reconstruction procedures have been completed, the next step is typically an appointment for in-office nipple tattooing:

At least eight weeks after final reconstructive surgery
Treatment time for initial tattooing is two hours; touch-up appointments are one hour and 15 minutes
Review of care instructions
Scheduling follow-up appointment

Step 6 - Follow-Up Appointment

The final step of your breast reconstruction procedure will be a follow-up appointment with your surgeon:

About four to six weeks after nipple tattooing
Touch-up procedure is usually indicated
Clinical photography
Discussion of scheduling annual follow-up visits, if applicable

Schedule Your Consultation at Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Today

At Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, we understand how daunting the breast reconstruction process can seem; especially when you’re already dealing with the many physical, mental, and emotional challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis. That’s why our team goes the extra mile to provide constant support and guidance for every one of our breast reconstruction patients. We will be with you every step of the way to make the process as easy and stress-free for you and your family as possible. If you’d like to learn more about the breast reconstruction process or schedule your initial consultation, simply contact us today.