Why might i need breast reconstruction surgery?

Very, very rarely: On rare occasions it is impossible to completely remove a breast cancer and close the skin. Under these circumstances, we often give chemotherapy first to shrink the cancer. If the cancer does not shrink, it may be necessary to perform a reconstruction to cover the chest wall after removing the cancer.

Restore breast shape: Usually, when someone needs reconstructive surgery for their breast, it is to help restore the natural shape and contour. Sometimes this is after a mastectomy but some people need it after lumpectomies also. Other people need reconstructive surgery for asymmetric breasts and congenital deformities (since birth).

Reconstruction need: No one ever "needs" reconstruction under normal circumstances. However the goal of reconstruction to restore and replace whatever is removed as a result of the cancer surgery. Thus studies have proved that that satisfaction and quality of life are enhanced after immediate breast reconstruction. Ultimately you have the final say regarding your own goals and wishes.

With deformation: Reconstruction is used to replace a portion or the entire breast after lumpectomy/partial mastectomy or total mastectomy. If the defect causes significant deformity of the breast, then reconstruction may be warranted. If there is complete loss of the breast, then reconstruction can attempt to recreate the breast shape and size.

Benefit almosalways: ...Purely psychological, although a flap is sometimes done to get a difficult wound closed. Very few women who've had a mastectomy will go without an external prosthesis which is far more of a nuisance, especially over the years, than is rec. Rec breasts are maintennance- free & don't need mammograms tho we plastic surgeons enjoy the inadvertent compliment implied by other mds ordering them...

To Rebuild a Breast: Breast reconstruction is the rebuilding of a breast, usually after surgery for breast cancer (mastectomy or lumpectomy), or surgery to prevent breast cancer ("prophylactic mastectomy"). Non-cancer related reasons to need breast reconstruction include congenital breast absence (eg poland's syndrome), and to reconstruct after mastectomy performed for severe infection or tumors like phyllodes.