A breast reconstruction is an operation to recreate a breast shape after you have had a mastectomy (breast removal). There are two types of breast reduction procedure which include breast reconstruction using implant and breast reconstruction using latissimus dorsi flap.

Your surgeon will use breast implant or a tissue expander to recreate the shape of your breast.
It is possible to reconstruct your breast using your own tissue. Be sure and discuss what procedure is right for you with your surgeon.

What happens during breast reconstruction using an implant or expander?

Breast reconstruction is usually performed under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will place an implant into a space under your chest muscle. The muscle will support the implant. Breast reconstruction using implant at Nuffield Health Hospitals

If you have already had a mastectomy there may not be enough skin to recreate a breast shape. In this case your surgeon may use an expandable implant (tissue expander) to stretch your skin. The expander will be placed in a pocket under your chest muscle. It will have a valve (port) so salt water (saline) can to be injected into its hollow chamber. Over time the implant will be expanded to stretch your chest tissue. Once your skin and muscle have stretched to the correct size you will have a second operation to insert a permanent silicone implant.

Be sure and discuss the frequency of your outpatient expander appointments with your surgeon.

What happens during breast reconstruction using latissimus dorsi muscle?

Breast reconstruction is usually performed under general anaesthetic. During breast reconstruction using latissimus dorsi flap at Nuffield Health Hospitals, your surgeon will make an elliptical cut in your back along the natural creases of your skin, and a cut in your breast or in the front of your chest. They will move the latissimus dorsi (back) muscle around to the front of your chest and use it to create a breast shape. If you need an implant, your surgeon will create a pocket under the muscle to place the implant in.

After your breast reconstruction surgery

Once your operation is over, you’ll be taken to the recovery room where you will wake from the anaesthetic. Your breasts may be covered by dressings. Your wound may be stitched or closed with steri-strips and you may have a small tube coming out of your wound to drain away any excess fluid from the inside the wound. Be sure and tell a member of our Healthcare Team if you are in any pain. When you are stable and comfortable, a nurse will take you back to your room.

Back in your room

A physiotherapist will help you with exercises to help you build strength on the operated side. These exercises may be difficult at first. Just keep trying - these exercises are very important to your recovery.

You will probably be in hospital one to two days. Everyone heals differently so be sure and ask your consultant about your length of stay.

Going home after breast reconstruction

You will be given instructions on how to care for your wounds, medications to relieve pain, when you can bathe or shower and specific things to look for during your recovery.

For the first fews days you may feel quite tired. It may be a good idea to have someone help you with daily activities for the first week. You can gradually start to increase you activity, however you should not attempt any strenuous activity or heavy lifting until you are released by your surgeon.

If you have any questions or concerns about your restrictions be sure and ask a member of the Healthcare Team or the Physiotherapist.

Be sure and discuss your return to work with your surgeon.

If you have had breast reconstruction with an implant, you will need to return to our Outpatient Clinic every one to two weeks where they will inject more saline into your implant . After your visits your breast may ache or feel tight for a  few days. Once your breast is the correct size your surgeon will schedule a second surgery to replace your tissue expander with a permanent implant.

Most people make a good recovery and return to normal activities following breast reconstruction. As with any surgery there can be complications:

Specific complications of breast reconstruction:

  • Bruising and bleeding
  • Fluid buildup inside the wound
  • Chronic pain
  • Numbness
  • Wound breakdown

Specific complications of implants:

  • Fluid buildup inside the implant pocket
  • Infection
  • Thickening or tightening of the scar tissue
  • Kinking or rippling
  • Rupture or deflation of the implant

The Medicines and Healthcare products regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for ensuring the safety of implantable medical devices, including breast implants.

Leeds Hospital

2 Leighton Street, Leeds, LS1 3EB

0113 3227251

All self paying and insured patients and their guests can park of free of charge in our underground car park. Patients are also entitled to a 30% discount on parking at Q-Park, The Light, which must be pre-booked prior to arrival. Book your space and use promotional code NUFFLDS by following this link: https://www.q-park.co.uk/en-gb/cities/leeds/the-light/ Did you know we also offer an exclusive car service for our private patients, to make it even easier to get to Nuffield Health Leeds Hospital. Visit https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/leeds/about-us/travel-assistance-plus to find out more.

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Guide price

Breast Repair using prosthesis Fees
Initial consultation from £200
Diagnostics If needed to determine treatment plan
Treatment £5,900
Pre-assessment Included
Main treatment Included
Post-discharge care Included
Pre-assessment, Main treatment and Post-discharge care £5,900
Guide price £6,100
 What does guide price mean?

The guide price stated above is an approximation of the cost of treatment only. The final price may vary according to Consultant fees, prosthesis or drugs used and any pre-existing medical conditions which may alter your care pathway.  You will be given a fixed all-inclusive price for treatment following your initial consultation with a Consultant.

Ways to pay

Nuffield Health promise

Our prices are all-inclusive. We will equal any comparable price. There are no time limits on your aftercare.

Paying for yourself

There are no hidden costs in our treatment prices. The price you see is the price you pay.

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Personal medical loan

Spread the cost of your treatment with a 6, 10 or 12 month 0% personal medical loan.

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Medical insurance

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