Can I opt for breast implants during the surgery for breast cancer?

Absolutely, patients often will undergo concurrent breast reconstruction with implants after immediate mastectomy surgery. It however, is not uncommon that after a mastectomy that a tissue expander be placed and filled over 10-12 weeks in order to expand and stretch out the tissue and muscle which will thereby allow a permanent silicone implant to be placed. In general, tissue expander reconstruction after immediate mastectomy is a favorable approach especially when there is no radiation to the breasts. When there has been radiation to the breasts, implants however may not be a good option due to increased risk of scar tissue encapsulation and poor blood supply.

Yes, many women choose to have breast implants after breast cancer surgery. Tissue expanders are usually placed at the time of mastectomy. The expanders are gradually filled over a period of weeks to months to stretch the skin and muscle. Once the desired size is reached, the surgeon will remove the tissue expanders and replace with permanent implants.