Timing of Reconstruction

There are two main options for breast reconstruction:

• Immediate reconstruction: Performed at the same time as the mastectomy (40%). This method increases patient satisfaction by 85-90% and reduces the risk of depression.
• Delayed reconstruction: Performed 6-12 months after the mastectomy (60%).

Ideal Patient Profile

Criteria for immediate reconstruction eligibility:

• Early-stage breast cancer (Stage 0-II) and tumour size less than 5 cm
• No lymph node metastasis
• Body mass index under 30 kg/m²
• Good general health (ASA I-II) and non-smoker

Tissue Expansion Process

The tissue expansion method preferred by 70% of patients:

• Weekly 50-100 ml saline injections over 2-3 weeks
• Implant placement after 6-8 expansion sessions, in the 8th week

Important Precautions

• At least 6 months should be waited after radiotherapy
• Healing is delayed by 30-50% in chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension)
• Smokers have a higher risk of complications (40% necrosis, 35% capsular fibrosis)
• Quitting smoking for at least 8 weeks before surgery is mandatory