Our Vancouver & Fraser Valley Service Areas Include:

Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, and Mission, BC.

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What Is Autologous Breast Reconstruction?

Autologous breast reconstruction uses your own tissue to recreate the breast mound. Skin and fat — and occasionally muscle — are transferred from another area of the body, most commonly the abdomen or back, to the chest. Common donor sites include:

  • Abdomen (DIEP or TRAM flap)
  • Back (Latissimus dorsi flap)

In autologous reconstruction, tissue may either remain attached to its original blood supply (a pedicled flap) or be completely detached and reconnected to blood vessels in the chest using advanced microsurgical techniques (free flap reconstruction).

Microsurgical procedures such as the DIEP flap preserve abdominal muscle while transferring skin and fat, offering a natural look and feel with long-term durability.

Autologous reconstruction can produce a breast that changes naturally with weight fluctuations and aging, and many patients appreciate the use of their own tissue rather than an implant.

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Which Autologous Procedure Is Right for You?

The choice of reconstruction depends on multiple individualized factors, including:

  • Your personal preference
  • Overall health and medical history
  • Body anatomy and available donor tissue
  • Cancer treatment plan
  • Need for radiation or chemotherapy
  • Desired breast size and shape

Reconstruction may be performed at the time of mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction). If reconstruction is unilateral, procedures such as breast reduction or breast lift on the opposite side may be recommended to improve overall symmetry. Radiation therapy can influence both timing and technique, and your surgeon will carefully review how cancer treatment affects reconstructive planning.

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What Is Breast Implant Reconstruction?

Implant-based reconstruction uses a silicone or saline implant to restore breast shape after mastectomy. The implant is typically placed beneath the chest muscle and soft tissue to create a natural contour. Implant reconstruction may be performed in one of two ways:

  • Two-stage reconstruction: A temporary tissue expander is placed at the time of mastectomy and gradually filled over several weeks before being replaced with a permanent implant.
  • Direct-to-implant reconstruction: A permanent implant is placed at the time of mastectomy in appropriately selected patients.

The choice between single-stage and two-stage reconstruction depends on:

  • Breast size and shape
  • Skin quality
  • Cancer characteristics (size, location, stage)
  • Need for radiation therapy
  • Overall health
  • Desired postoperative breast size

Implant reconstruction typically involves shorter operative time and recovery compared to autologous procedures, though it may require future implant maintenance or revision.

Immediate vs. Delayed Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction can be performed immediately during mastectomy or delayed until cancer treatment is complete.

Immediate reconstruction preserves more of the natural breast skin envelope and can reduce the number of surgeries required. Delayed reconstruction may be recommended when radiation therapy or other treatments are anticipated.

Both approaches are safe and effective when carefully coordinated with your oncology team.

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Your Consultation at PSG

Your reconstructive consultation is thorough and individualized. Your surgeon will review your diagnosis, examine your anatomy, and explain all available options in detail.

You will have time to ask questions and understand:

  • Surgical techniques
  • Recovery expectations
  • Potential risks
  • Long-term outcomes

Our team works closely with oncologists and breast surgeons to ensure reconstruction is integrated seamlessly into your overall cancer care plan.

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Contact Us

If you are considering breast cancer reconstruction in Surrey, BC, contact PSG to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. We are committed to helping you restore balance, confidence, and comfort through expert, compassionate reconstructive care.

Schedule a Consultation

Schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons and get honest guidance tailored to your aesthetic goals, right here in Surrey.

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