How do you know if you are a candidate for breast reconstruction surgery ?

Medical issues: Breast reconstruction is needed for trauma, disease or congenital absence of breast. The most obvious need for breast reconstruction is for breast reconstruction following mastectomy for breast cancer. Your insurance company will allow breast reconstruction for medical issues; you can check with them to see if you are a candidate.

See a surgeon....: Most surgeons would prefer that your cancer has been treated and that your health is good.

Breast Reconstructio: Most individuals who have lost a breast or who never developed a breast are candidates for breast reconstruction. Those who are not candidates are patients actively undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, uncontrolled diabetics, patients with unstable medical or psychiatric problems, patients who are unsure of what type of reconstruction they wish to have, or those who cannot be compliant.

See a specialist: Breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as mastectomy ("immediate reconstruction"), or any time after ("delayed reconstruction"). There are many reconstructive options ranging from breast implants to using your own tissue. The only way to know if you are a good candidate is to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon, preferably one who performs a lot of breast reconstruction.