Immediate versus Delayed Breast Reconstruction: A Critical Comparison

ABSTRACT

Immediate breast reconstruction is more convenient for patients, less expensive, and technically easier for surgeons than delayed breast reconstruction. Especially when a skin-sparing mastectomy is used, immediate reconstruction also usually provides results of better esthetic quality. For these reasons, immediate reconstruction is preferable for most patients who desire breast reconstruction unless the prognosis for survival of the patient is poor. Delayed reconstruction does have advantages: patients who have lived with the deformity of a mastectomy are usually very appreciative of the reconstructive surgeon's efforts, and are easily satisfied.

Keywords

Immediate - immediate reconstruction - skin-sparing - skin-sparing mastectomy - breast reconstruction