There were 2 articles that came out about “delayed” reconstruction following mastectomy. While this adds another article to the discussion, it highlights the point about talking to your plastic and reconstructive surgeon about reconstruction and the nature of the disease…. for instance, for people who definitely need radiation after a mastectomy, delayed is an option to consider; tissue expanders, however, may still be placed at the time of mastectomy for two reasons – preserving the breast envelope skin, and providing at least one form of breast reconstruction during the process of radiation and treatment after mastectomy
there are considerations regarding how the final incisions/scars will appear with delayed reconstruction, and however in the long run, for instance, having a soft, durable abdominally based flap might be better…..regardless, ask your plastic surgeon about these options – understanding the process sometimes becomes involved!
