Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction uses surgery techniques to recreate a breast shape following mastectomy or risk-reduction surgery.
Expert breast reconstruction surgeon Andrew Pieri provides specialised treatments that are centred around you. He guides patients through every stage of the reconstructive journey, from the initial consultation through to post-operative recovery and care.
To discuss your options and arrange a consultation, contact our breast reconstruction clinic or press the ‘Book a Consultation’ button below.
Breast reconstruction surgery is performed under anaesthesia to rebuild the breast mound using either implants or the patient’s own tissue. It can be carried out at the time of mastectomy or delayed, offering implant-based reconstruction – placing silicone implants behind or in front of the chest muscle – or autologous flap techniques using tissue from the abdomen, back, or thigh.
Why Choose Andrew Pieri for Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
The aim of a breast reconstruction surgery is to recreate the original breast shape, but this isn’t always possible. There are several options to help get the appearance of a natural breast and help those surviving cancer to improve their mental wellbeing during this difficult experience.
Mr Andrew Pieri has spent more than 16 years working as a breast surgeon across NHS and private clinics in the North East. His expertise covers both cancer surgery and breast reconstruction. He doesn’t just focus on removing the tumor – he designs the operation to preserve or restore the breast’s shape from the very start.
Every patient needs a different approach. Mr Pieri is experienced in both flap and implant-based reconstructions. He chooses and adapts the method to fit the individual.
BREAST RECONSTRUCTION PRICE GUIDE
Please note that prices provided here are intended to serve as a general reference and may be subject to changes. It is also important to note that the cost of your procedure will depend on the specific operation required to achieve your cosmetic goals. Therefore, the prices listed below may not accurately reflect the final cost of your treatment.
Please schedule a free consultation directly with Mr Pieri to obtain an accurate quote.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
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Initial consultation £200
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Full price will be discussed during consultation once treatment has been finalised.
Types Of Breast Reconstruction
There are a vast array of breast reconstruction options. Broadly speaking, the two categories are Implant Reconstruction (using breast implants) and Autologous Reconstruction (using the patient’s own tissue).
Implant reconstruction involves a similar approach to traditional breast implants, where silicone implants or tissue expanders are used to replicate natural breast tissue and create volume and shape. Surgeons will place the implant behind the chest muscle (submuscular placement) or in front of it (pre-pectoral placement).
Autologous tissue reconstruction (sometimes known as flap surgery) involves taking living tissue from other parts of the body and attaching it to the breast to create a natural breast in place of the one that was removed. The tissue is usually taken from the back, abdomen or thigh and can be attached in two ways.
Pedicled flap surgery involves cutting some of the blood vessels in the new tissue but keeping others, and then inserting the tissue into a new pocket within the breast and attaching some of the blood vessels to the chest.
Free flap reconstruction surgery is a more complicated procedure that involves disconnecting all of the blood vessels from the autologous tissue and then attaching it using new blood vessels.
When choosing the right option, the decision is always patient-centred, with some core factors including your natural breast shape, lifestyle and whether chemotherapy or radiotherapy are required after surgery.
Every patient will be given full information to ensure that they make an informed choice. Breast reconstruction surgery with Andrew Pieri involves a supportive and experienced team to ensure they get the support they need.
Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery Right for Me?
Increasingly, breast reconstruction is performed during the same operation as the mastectomy (termed immediate reconstruction) as opposed to delayed reconstruction, which is performed months or years later. There is evidence to show that this increases patient satisfaction with the reconstruction and reduces psychological morbidity in the long term.
The main practical advantage of immediate reconstruction is that the native breast skin (and often the nipple) can be preserved during the operation, and thus, only the breast volume needs to be replaced to achieve reconstruction. Assuming that the patient is fit for a reconstruction procedure, the decision is largely down to the individual’s choice and remains funded by the NHS in breast cancer (or risk reduction) surgery cases.
Full breast reconstruction often requires multiple procedures, and as such, getting immediate reconstruction following breast cancer surgery can be a quicker way towards the patient’s final goal of natural-looking breasts.
Preparing For Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Before breast reconstruction surgery, patients need to consider their lifestyle. Some factors, such as smoking or being overweight, can affect the outcome of the procedure.
As such, patients who are looking to get breast reconstruction following breast cancer treatment should aim to maintain a healthy weight and stop smoking or vaping before the procedure. These simple changes will help to improve the potential outcome.
Some existing health conditions, such as severe lung or cardiovascular diseases, can cause complications for breast reconstruction surgery. In this case, treatment for these issues might be required before the reconstruction surgery can go ahead.
TIME IN THEATRE
1 to 3 Hours
HOSPITAL STAY
0 to 1 night
RETURN TO WORK
7 Days
RECOVERY TIME
6 Weeks
POST-OP BRA
6 Weeks
BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY RECOVERY
In the first few days after breast reconstruction surgery, it is normal to experience soreness, swelling, and tightness around the chest or donor site (if tissue has been taken from another area of the body). This is expected and will gradually improve as healing progresses.
You will be supported with a personalised recovery plan, including advice on wound care, movement, and how to gradually return to daily activities. Pain relief will be prescribed to help manage any discomfort during the early stages of recovery.
Most patients are able to begin light activities within 1 to 2 weeks, particularly after implant-based reconstruction. However, if flap reconstruction has been performed, recovery may take longer due to the additional healing required at both the breast and donor site.
Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and upper body exercise should be avoided until you are advised that it is safe to resume, typically around 4 to 6 weeks or longer depending on your procedure.
Follow-Up Care
Follow-up care is an essential part of your breast reconstruction journey.
Your first review is usually arranged within the first week after surgery, where your dressings will be checked and your healing assessed. This appointment also provides an opportunity to answer any early questions and support your immediate recovery.
Further follow-up appointments with Mr Pieri will typically take place around 2 weeks post-surgery, with additional reviews scheduled over the following months depending on your individual treatment plan and recovery progress.
If you are undergoing staged reconstruction, such as implant expansion or further refinement procedures, your follow-up schedule may be extended to support each stage of treatment.
These appointments are designed to ensure you feel supported throughout recovery, with careful monitoring of healing, comfort, and long-term surgical outcomes.
BREAST RECONSTRUCTION FAQs
Which Is The Best Type Of Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Each type of breast reconstruction surgery is different, and the best option for each patient depends on a number of factors, including their preference, lifestyle and ongoing breast cancer treatment needs. The breast reconstruction surgeon will discuss all the types of breast reconstruction surgery and guide patients towards the best choice.
How Long Does It Take To Heal From Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Most women start to regain full body function and return to normal activities around 6-8 weeks after breast reconstruction surgery. If free flap autologous breast reconstruction surgery is performed, this may take longer to heal.
Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery Painful?
Every patient’s pain threshold is different, but most report moderate pain for 2-3 days post-breast reconstruction surgery. Sensations can come and go throughout the recovery period, but the issues usually subside after a few months.
Explore Other Breast Procedures
At our specialist breast reconstruction surgery clinic, a range of procedures are available. Explore more about our full range of approaches below, including breast-conserving techniques and other options following surgery.
BREAST CANCER CLINIC
A one-stop clinic offering same-day triple assessment, including consultation, imaging, and biopsy if required.
Breast Lift
MASTECTOMY SURGERY
Mastectomy treatments seek to remove all breast tissue, in order to treat or prevent breast cancer
BREAST LUMPECTOMY
Removes a breast tumour and a small margin of healthy tissue while preserving the remainder of the breast
