Her Fight is Our Mission

For women undergoing mastectomy, we offer breast reconstruction options that help restore not only the shape of the breast but also confidence and emotional well-being. Reconstruction maybe be immediate or delayed. 

Immediate Breast Reconstruction

Immediate breast reconstruction is performed during the same surgical session as the mastectomy, allowing women to wake up with their breasts already restored. This preferred approach at Apollo Athenaa offers not just physical restoration, but emotional reassurance. 

How the Procedure is Performed 

Immediate reconstruction may be performed using either autologous tissue flaps or implant-based techniques, depending on the patient’s body type, health status, cancer treatment plan, and personal preferences. 

• Autologous Reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue (usually from the abdomen) to recreate the breast. This method avoids the use of foreign materials and offers a more natural feel and longevity.
• Implant-Based Reconstruction typically involves placing a tissue expander or a permanent implant immediately after the breast tissue is removed. When required, the expander is gradually filled over time before being replaced with a permanent implant. 

Our plastic and reconstructive surgeons work closely with the surgical breast oncology team to ensure the safest and most cosmetically optimal outcomes, with oncological safety as the top priority. 

Recovery 

Recovery after immediate reconstruction varies depending on the type of reconstruction performed: 

• Hospital Stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for 3–5 days. Recovery may be slightly longer for flap-based reconstructions. 
• Pain and Healing: Patients can expect moderate discomfort, which is well managed with medications. Drains may be placed temporarily to prevent fluid buildup. 
• Resuming Daily Activities: Light activities may be resumed in 2–3 weeks, with full recovery usually taking 6–8 weeks. 
• Follow-up: Our multidisciplinary team ensures comprehensive follow-up care, including wound care, physiotherapy if needed, emotional support, and long-term follow-up.

Key Advantages

• Emotional and Psychological Benefits: Preserving breast shape during the initial surgery can greatly reduce the emotional trauma of mastectomy. Many women report higher self-esteem, improved body image, and a greater sense of wholeness.
• One-Time Surgery: Because reconstruction is done concurrently with mastectomy, patients undergo a single major surgery, which means fewer hospital visits, a unified recovery timeline, and reduced exposure to anaesthesia.
• Skin- and Nipple-Sparing Techniques: When medically appropriate, our surgeons use skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomy techniques that preserve the outer breast envelope, allowing for more natural-looking reconstruction outcomes.
• Minimised Scarring: A combined surgical approach typically results in fewer incisions and less cumulative scarring than if the procedures were staged separately.
• Superior Aesthetic Outcomes: Immediate reconstruction allows for better preservation of natural tissue and skin, giving the surgeon more control over the final appearance. This often results in enhanced symmetry and a softer, more natural breast contour.
• Cost and Time Efficiency: By combining both procedures, patients often incur lower overall medical costs and experience a shorter total treatment timeline.

At Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, every immediate reconstruction plan is thoughtfully tailored to meet the patient’s clinical and emotional needs. From surgical planning to post-operative care, our goal is to offer seamless, compassionate, and state-of-the-art reconstruction that restores both form and confidence.

Delayed Breast Reconstruction

In a few cases, breast reconstruction may be delayed and performed weeks, months, or even years after mastectomy. While still effective, delayed reconstruction may involve more surgical steps and emotional adjustment. However, it remains a valuable option for many women and is equally supported at our centre.

Whether immediate or delayed, the goal remains the same: to restore your body and your confidence. At Apollo Athenaa, every reconstruction journey is personalised, respectful, and guided by expert care — because healing should never be incomplete.