Mastectomy

Wondering About Your Options for Mastectomy and Reconstruction?

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If you're facing a mastectomy to treat breast cancer or reduce a high inherited risk for a diagnosis, you probably have lots of questions that keep you up at night:

  • Should you go flat after mastectomy or have breast reconstruction?

  • How can your breasts be recreated, and what are the benefits and limitations of each option?

  • Should you keep your own nipples?

  • Do you want the shortest procedure with the quickest recovery or one that will give you the
    most natural breasts possible?

  • What should you expect from these surgeries and recovery?

  • How do you find the right surgeon?

Reconstruction
Going Flat

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act requires most health plans that pay for mastectomy to also cover the entire cost of breast reconstruction, including surgery to achieve breast symmetry, prostheses, and treatment for any related complications.
Read what the law does and doesn't cover.

Choosing to go flat (no reconstruction) after mastectomy or have your breast(s) recreated (breast reconstruction)—is a deeply personal decision. Mastectomy and reconstruction are not one-size-fits-all procedures, and there is no single "right" decision. However, the choices you make before your surgery are important because they dictate the length and complexity of the procedure, your recovery timeline, and the look of your postmastectomy chest.

You may be surprised to know that you have many postmastectomy options...and that can be confusing and emotionally challenging. That's why it's important to understand all of your choices before making final decisions. Understanding each option and how it might affect you now and later positions you to discuss these issues with your healthcare team and make the best decisions for your physical and emotional well-being. It's a powerful way to regain control and peace of mind...and maybe even sleep better at night.

If you're just beginning the mastectomy journey, the baseline information on this website may answer many of your questions and will likely spark new thoughts as you continue your research.

For a deeper understanding of these topics—from your first consultation through full recovery—The Complete Guide to Breast Reconstruction is a comprehensive roadmap of the entire mastectomy and reconstruction experience.