Being told you need a mastectomy is overwhelming. On top of processing the cancer diagnosis, you’re suddenly asked to make big decisions about your body, treatment and future.
One of the most important of those choices is whether you want to rebuild your breast – and if yes, how and when. This process is called breast reconstruction.
This guide is designed for women in and around Mumbai who are exploring breast reconstruction with specialists like Dr. Tushar Thorat, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon. It explains your options in simple language so you can have a confident, informed discussion with your cancer team.
⚖️ There is no “right” or “wrong” choice – there is only the choice that feels right for you.
1. What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is surgery to rebuild the shape of the breast after all or part of it has been removed for cancer treatment (mastectomy or sometimes lumpectomy).
It can be done:
- At the same time as your cancer surgery – called immediate reconstruction
- Months or years later – called delayed reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is optional. Many women choose it for body image, confidence, and to feel “whole” again, while others are comfortable using an external prosthesis or not reconstructing at all. All choices are valid.
2. When Can Breast Reconstruction Be Done?
Immediate vs Delayed Reconstruction
Immediate reconstruction
- Done in the same operation as mastectomy
- You wake up with a breast mound already reconstructed
- Often gives better aesthetic results and fewer total surgeries, and may improve early emotional well-being and body image
- Needs close coordination between breast surgeon and plastic surgeon
Delayed reconstruction
- Done after cancer treatment is complete, from a few months to years after mastectomy
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Often chosen when:
- You need radiotherapy to the chest wall
- Your medical team wants to focus on cancer treatment first
- You want more time emotionally to decide
- Usually performed at least 3–12 months after radiotherapy, to let tissues heal
Many women in Mumbai choose immediate reconstruction when it is safe to do so, because it can reduce the psychological impact of losing a breast and may be more cost-effective overall.
3. Types of Breast Reconstruction Available in Mumbai
Broadly, there are two main categories of reconstruction:
- Implant-based reconstruction
- Autologous (tissue or flap) reconstruction – using your own tissue
Often, surgeons may combine both in selected cases.
3.1 Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
This method uses a silicone or saline implant to recreate breast volume.
How it is usually done:
- Sometimes in two stages – a temporary “tissue expander” is placed first and gradually filled, then replaced with a permanent implant
- Or in one stage (direct-to-implant) in carefully selected patients
Advantages
- Shorter surgery time
- No additional large scars on other body areas
- Shorter hospital stay in many cases
Points to consider
- It is still major surgery under general anaesthesia
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Implants are foreign materials; they can sometimes cause:
- Infection or wound problems
- Capsular contracture (hardening around the implant)
- Implant rupture or displacement over time
- May need future replacement surgeries
- Results can be affected by radiotherapy, especially if given after implantation
Implant-based reconstruction can still be an excellent option for the right patient profile, especially those who do not wish to undergo longer surgeries.
3.2 Autologous / Flap Breast Reconstruction
Here, the surgeon uses your own skin, fat and sometimes muscle from another part of your body to create a new breast. Common donor sites: abdomen, back, inner thigh, or buttock.
When the tissue is completely detached and reattached using microsurgery, it is called a free flap – a highly specialized technique.
Advantages
- More natural look and feel, because it’s your own tissue
- No long-term implant-related risks
- Often ages and changes with your body more naturally over time
Considerations
- Longer surgery and anaesthesia time
- Longer hospital stay initially
- Leaves scars at the donor site (for example, on the lower abdomen)
- Like any flap surgery, a small risk of flap failure or wound healing issues exists, which is carefully monitored post-operatively
3.3 Abdominal Tissue–Based Reconstruction (DIEP Flap) – A Key Focus
One of the most advanced forms of autologous reconstruction is the DIEP flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap).
In a DIEP flap:
- The surgeon takes skin and fat from the lower abdomen (similar area to a tummy tuck)
- Important blood vessels (perforators) supplying this tissue are carefully isolated
- No abdominal muscle is removed – this is a muscle-sparing technique
- The tissue is shaped into a new breast and blood vessels are joined to vessels in the chest under a microscope
Benefits of DIEP flap reconstruction
- Very natural shape and softness closer to a real breast
- Preserves abdominal muscles, helping maintain core strength
- Lower risk of abdominal hernia or bulge compared to older TRAM flap methods
- Can give a flatter, tighter abdomen as a side benefit
- No long-term implant issues
This option is particularly attractive for women in Mumbai who:
- Have enough tissue in the lower abdomen
- Prefer a “natural tissue” breast
- Are willing to undergo a longer, technically advanced surgery with an experienced microsurgeon
Not every patient is a candidate – very thin women, heavy smokers, or those with certain previous abdominal surgeries may need alternative plans. Your reconstructive surgeon will evaluate this carefully.
4. Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?
Most women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer or risk-reducing mastectomy can be considered for reconstruction.
Factors your Mumbai surgical team will assess include:
- Stage and type of breast cancer
- Whether you will need radiotherapy and when
- Your overall health – diabetes, heart/lung conditions, smoking status, BMI
- Previous surgeries on the chest or abdomen
- Your expectations regarding size, symmetry and scarring
- Emotional readiness and support at home
Certain conditions – for example inflammatory breast cancer or very advanced local disease – may mean reconstruction is delayed until cancer treatment is complete.
5. What Happens Before Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
In Mumbai, breast reconstruction is usually planned in a multidisciplinary setting, involving:
- Surgical oncologist / breast surgeon
- Plastic & reconstructive surgeon
- Medical oncologist & radiation oncologist
- Physiotherapist and sometimes a counsellor or psychologist
You can expect:
- Detailed history, examination and review of scans
- Discussion of immediate vs delayed reconstruction options
- Explanation of different techniques that suit your specific case
- Discussion of scars, nipple–areola reconstruction, symmetry procedures for the other breast, and realistic outcomes
- Information about hospital stay, cost, recovery and time off work
Feel free to bring a family member to the consultation – support really helps.
6. Breast Reconstruction Surgery & Hospital Stay in Mumbai
Exact details differ by hospital and procedure type, but broadly:
Implant-based reconstruction
- Surgery time: often 2–4 hours (longer if both breasts)
- Hospital stay: usually 2–4 days, depending on your recovery and cancer procedure
DIEP flap / other free flap reconstruction
- Surgery time: 6–10 hours for one breast (can vary)
- ICU/high-dependency monitoring for the first 24 hours to watch the flap closely
- Total hospital stay: around 5–7 days in many centres
You’ll have drains in place temporarily, pain control, antibiotics where needed, and early gentle mobilisation under guidance.
7. Recovery Timeline: What to Expect
Every woman heals differently, but a general guide:
First 1–2 weeks
- Swelling, bruising and tightness are common
- Implant cases often feel chest tightness; flap patients feel abdominal and chest soreness
- Walking is encouraged early; lifting heavy objects is restricted
- You’ll be given instructions about wound care and drain removal
Weeks 3–6
- Most women slowly resume light household work and desk jobs
- Driving and gentle arm movements become easier
- Support bras or compression garments are continued as advised
After 6–12 weeks
- Many can resume more vigorous exercise (with surgeon’s clearance)
- Scars begin to soften and fade over months
Beyond 3–6 months
- Swelling settles and the breast shape becomes more natural
- For DIEP and other flaps, tissues continue to “settle” and feel softer over time
Your surgeon may plan secondary touch-up procedures later – for example:
- Nipple–areola reconstruction or tattooing
- Minor adjustments for symmetry
8. Possible Risks & How Surgeons Minimise Them
All surgeries carry risk. Your team in Mumbai will discuss these with you clearly. Some possible complications:
- Bleeding or blood collections (haematoma)
- Wound infection or delayed healing
- For implants: capsular contracture, implant infection, rupture, or implant loss that may require removal
- For flap surgery: partial or complete flap loss, fat necrosis, abdominal wound issues (for abdominal flaps)
Specialist centres reduce these risks by:
- Careful patient selection and pre-operative optimisation
- Operating in fully equipped hospitals with advanced microsurgical facilities
- Close post-operative monitoring with experienced nursing teams
Always inform your surgeon immediately if you notice fever, increasing pain, redness, sudden swelling or any change in the flap/skin colour.
9. Breast Reconstruction & Emotional Healing
Losing a breast isn’t just a physical change – it can deeply affect self-image, sexuality, and confidence. Studies show that immediate reconstruction can help some women experience better body image and psychosocial well-being after mastectomy, especially in the short term.
However, reconstruction is not mandatory to be a “strong survivor”. For many women, talking with:
- Psycho-oncology counsellors
- Support groups of other breast cancer survivors
- Their partner and close family
is as important as the surgery itself.
Whichever path you choose, giving yourself time, information and support is key.
10. Why Choose Mumbai & Dr. Tushar Thorat for Breast Reconstruction?
Mumbai is home to some of India’s most advanced cancer and reconstructive centres, with:
- Multidisciplinary breast cancer teams
- State-of-the-art operation theatres and microsurgery setups
- Access to modern imaging, ICU and rehabilitation services
Dr. Tushar Thorat, Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, offers:
- Expertise in breast reconstruction after mastectomy, including advanced abdominal tissue–based techniques (such as DIEP-type flaps) where appropriate
- Reconstruction in reputed tertiary care hospitals in Mumbai (Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Saifee Hospital, Bhatia Hospital)
- A personalised, counselling-oriented approach that respects your cancer treatment plan, medical condition and emotional readiness
During consultation, he will:
- Review your cancer treatment history and future plan
- Explain whether implant-based, flap-based, or combined reconstruction suits your body and lifestyle
- Show representative before/after images (with consent) to set realistic expectations
- Discuss costs, recovery time and support needs honestly
11. Frequently Asked Questions on Breast Reconstruction in Mumbai
1. Is breast reconstruction safe after breast cancer?
For most women, breast reconstruction is considered safe once the cancer team confirms that your disease is appropriately treated and controlled. Reconstruction does not increase the risk of cancer recurrence, nor does it prevent future detection, but regular follow-up and imaging remain essential.
2. Can I have reconstruction if I already had radiotherapy?
Yes, but planning is more complex. Autologous flap procedures such as abdominal tissue–based reconstruction often give better results in radiated tissues compared to implants alone, which have higher complication rates after radiotherapy.
3. Will my new breast have normal sensation?
Many women have reduced or altered sensation in the reconstructed breast and chest wall, especially after mastectomy. Some sensation may slowly return over months to years, but it may never be exactly the same as before.
4. Can nipple and areola be reconstructed?
Yes. Options include local flaps to create a projecting nipple and medical tattooing to recreate the areola colour. Some women also choose 3D areola tattooing alone.
5. How much does breast reconstruction cost in Mumbai?
Costs vary widely depending on:
- Implant vs flap vs combined procedures
- One breast or both
- Hospital category (corporate, trust, etc.)
- Room type and length of stay
During a consultation, Dr. Tushar’s team can give you a transparent estimate based on your personalised plan.
6. Will health insurance cover breast reconstruction?
Many Indian insurers now recognise breast reconstruction after cancer as part of cancer treatment, but policies differ. It’s best to check with your insurer and share the proposed surgical plan; the hospital’s insurance desk can help with documentation.
7. How long should I take off from work?
Desk-based professionals may need around 3–4 weeks after implant-based reconstruction and 4–6 weeks or more after flap reconstruction, depending on how they feel and the nature of their job. Your surgeon will individualise this advice.
12. Taking the Next Step
If you are in Mumbai and:
- Have recently been advised a mastectomy
- Already had breast surgery and are now wondering about reconstruction
- Want a second opinion on your options
you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Tushar Thorat.
Clinics & Hospitals (Mumbai):
- Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital
- Saifee Hospital, Girgaon
- Bhatia Hospital
You are welcome to bring a family member or friend for support.
You fought hard against cancer. You deserve clear information, compassionate care, and a body you feel comfortable living in.
Short disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace a personal consultation with your oncologist or plastic & reconstructive surgeon. Every woman’s medical situation is unique; please discuss all decisions with your treating team.
