Whether or not you choose to reconstruct your breast(s) during or after lumpectomy surgery or mastectomy surgery is 100% a personal decision. Some may see the absence of a breast or a difference in the look of their breasts as a symbol of strength.
For others, however, the change to their body can significantly affect their self-confidence, intimacy, body image, and ability to cope. In this video, learn what reconstructive surgery is and how it works.
Dr. Alberty is a surgical breast oncologist at the Dubin Breast Center of the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital.
References
American Cancer Society. (2021). Breast reconstruction options.
National Cancer Institute. (2025). Breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
Why trust our experts?
Written by:
Brittany DoohanBrittany Doohan was the Content Director at HealthiNation and is currently the Editorial Director at Medscape. Through her work with Medscape, she won a Silver Telly Award in May 2022 for "Sleepless Nation: A Public Health Epidemic — Episode 2: A Decade Without a Diagnosis." She has worked in health journalism and video production for more than 8 years, and loves the challenge of explaining complex topics in an easy-to-understand and creative way.
Reviewed by:
Karen Hovav, MD, FAAPKaren Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.
