This is a helpful article on many levels with respect to breast reconstruction.  It discusses the standard methods of your own tissue like the DIEP flap, breast implants, and the combinations of the two as well as future posibilities.  Always keep in mind that until you are seen and examined you should learn as much as possible to engage in a discussion with your breast surgeon and plastic surgeon.

http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20080917/new-options-for-breast-reconstruction

There are several questions that should have been considered prior to a consult about a procedure that would require a breast implant.

What is your age?

Which implant type of implant are you interested in, Silicone or Saline?

What are your reasons or reason for having breast implant or implants?

Do you need reconstruction?

Is one side significantly different than the other?

If you have surgery are ready to accept the risks and benefits of surgery?

Are you will to accept the change associated with implants and that if there are issues and the need for removal that the appearance may not be desirable?

Can you accept that implants can potentially make it difficult to have mammograms?

Are you able to accept that you will more than likely need additional surgery because of aging, pregancy, significant weight loss or gain, and possibly implant problems?

Will you follow up after to surgery to see your Plastic Surgeon?

Do you have an active infection?

Are you a smoker?

Do you have problems with depression?

Do you have Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or other autoimmune disorders or disease?

Do you take medications like steriods, immunosuppressants or other medicines that would delay your ability to heal?

Are you pregnant or nursing?

 I have been pleased with the results of reconstruction of one side of a woman's breast using the entire lower abdomen.  Initially five years ago when I began using the DIEP Flap for breast reconstruction I would only use half of the abdomen for the breast reconstruction and preserve the other portion during the procedure only to remove it and discard it at the end. I began to have more and more women with less abdominal tissue who really desired the DIEP Flap.  I have found this to be an extremely rewarding operation for the patients and for me.  Now I feel like I am utilizing all of the abdominal tissue even when I am reconstructing only one side for the patient.  This added volume allows for a better initial result and less complicated procedures down the road to provide symmetry.  Of course whenever possible and accordance with the patients desires we try improve in symmetry problems by using the patient's own fat.  This fat is harvested and separated into smaller portions then loaded back into smaller syringes and strategically placed to provide symmetry.