When breast reconstruction becomes part of your healing journey, it’s normal to feel unsure about timing. Should you move forward right after your mastectomy, or wait until you’ve finished other treatments?Â
We guide women through these decisions every day at Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics. Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Christopher Williams and Dr. Jeremy Williams, offer a wide range of reconstructive options, including DIEP Flap and implant-based procedures.
Your consultation is a space for open conversation, detailed answers, and personalized planning. We welcome patients from Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, and surrounding areas throughout the Denver metro region.
What Is Immediate Breast Reconstruction?
Immediate breast reconstruction is performed during the same surgical session as a mastectomy. That means once your breast tissue is removed, your reconstruction begins before you even leave the operating room. For many women, this approach offers the benefit of waking up with some restoration already in place, whether through tissue expanders, implants, or natural tissue procedures like the DIEP Flap.
Immediate reconstruction can reduce the total number of surgeries you’ll need and may lead to more cohesive aesthetic outcomes. Some women also find it emotionally easier to avoid a period without breast contour.Â
That said, if radiation therapy is part of your cancer treatment plan, your doctor may advise against immediate reconstruction, since radiation can impact healing and the results of reconstruction.
What Is Delayed Breast Reconstruction?
Delayed reconstruction means waiting weeks, months, or even years after your mastectomy to begin reconstruction. This is often a good option for women who want time to recover from cancer treatment before committing to another procedure. It’s also preferred in cases where radiation is expected or when you’ve already had a mastectomy in the past.
The major advantage of delayed reconstruction is that it allows your body to fully heal and your oncology team to finish treatment without overlapping with a complex surgery. On the other hand, it does require a separate surgery and recovery process, which can extend the overall timeline.
How to Decide Which Approach Is Right for You
Your care team will help you weigh your options, but it’s important to consider your comfort level with timing, the type of reconstruction you want, and whether you will need additional cancer treatments like radiation or chemotherapy. Some women feel strongly about avoiding a period without breast shape, while others prefer to let their body rest between procedures.
There’s no right or wrong answer. That’s why our complimentary cosmetic consultations are so important. You’ll get one-on-one time with our surgeons to ask questions and create a plan that fits your life and health.
Why Choose Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics?
At Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics, your care is led by two highly trained, board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Christopher Williams and Dr. Jeremy Williams. Both completed their plastic and reconstructive surgery training at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and specialize in advanced procedures. Their expertise allows them to perform complex surgeries together, offering a level of safety and precision that’s rare in this region.
Patients choose us for our credentials and also for our level of care. From your first visit, you’ll experience a supportive environment where your goals come first. Whether you’re from Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, or anywhere in the Denver area, you’ll be treated with respect and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on the timing of your mastectomy and whether your cancer treatment plan has already started. It’s best to talk to your surgeon as early as possible.
Nipple-sparing mastectomy is usually performed during immediate reconstruction, but it may still be an option later, depending on your anatomy, cancer treatment, and surgical plan.
Timing can influence scar formation, skin condition, and surgical complexity, but excellent results are still possible with delayed reconstruction. Your surgeon will help you understand how your timing might affect outcomes.
Radiation after immediate reconstruction may lead to complications or changes in breast appearance. In some cases, additional revision surgery is needed. Your care team will help you plan with this possibility in mind.
Talk to Our Team in Lone Tree
We understand how personal this decision is, and we’re here to support you. To schedule your complimentary cosmetic consultation, call Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics at 303-706-1100. We proudly serve women in Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, and across the Denver area.
