Immediate Breast Reconstruction is a Safe and Beneficial Alternative

Reports a study in July issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery ®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). For women who undergo mastectomy for breast cancer, immediate breast reconstruction has a low risk of complications, including serious complications associated with radiation therapy, and does not cause undue delays in cancer treatment. Immediate breast reconstruction offers several advantages over delayed reconstruction, including better cosmetic results, shorter recovery time, and cost reduction. Immediate reconstruction is essential for coping mechanisms associated with improved quality of life and decreased risk of depression. But there is continued debate over its use, with some surgeons fear of immediate reconstruction would increase the risk of complications or delay further cancer treatment.

The results showed that immediate reconstruction is safe and well tolerated by patients, and does not cause an increased risk of complications. Further delay in treatment seems comparable to women who underwent mastectomy alone. The study also showed that the "majority" women do not experience or only minor complications associated with radiation therapy.