In the case of immediate breast reconstruction, the surgeon removes the breast in the same operation and replaces it with a prosthesis placed behind the pectoral muscle, i.e. behind the chest wall muscle.
They can also be portions of the dorsalis major muscle (back muscle), or the rectus major muscle (abdominal wall muscle), to be used alone or in conjunction with a prosthesis.
If radiotherapy is required after mastectomy, or if chemotherapy is necessary, the reconstruction will be carried out at a later date, after the treatments have been completed, so as not to delay them.
It uses the same techniques as immediate reconstruction (insertion of a prosthesis and/or use of muscle flaps).
The choice of reconstruction technique must take into account various criteria such as the quantity and health of the tissue in the area to be reconstructed, the size and shape of the other breast, and the patient's choice and expectations.