Exploring Your Breast Surgery Options

Dr. David Euhus, director of breast surgery, discusses the differences between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy, techniques used to maintain the look and shape of the breast following surgery, and the typical recovery process for patients.

Reconstruction after Breast Cancer | Pam’s Story

Pam Vierra, a mother of three from central Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with breast cancer and decided to visit Johns Hopkins for a second opinion. She tells her story about her treatment and reconstruction experience with the Johns Hopkins Breast Center, and how it changed her life.

Breast Reconstruction Options

Most women treated for breast cancer are eligible for breast reconstruction. Learn about your many options.

Breast Reconstruction Overview

Breast reconstruction is achieved through plastic surgery that attempts to restore a breast to near-normal shape, appearance and size following a mastectomy. Lillie Shockney, administrative director of the Johns Hopkins Breast Center, explains the process and how to decide which treatment option is best for you.

Nipple Tattoos: A New Option for Breast Reconstruction

A tattoo artist specializing in nipple tattoos after breast reconstruction shares his experiences; breast cancer survivors discuss why nipple tattooing is an important part of their survivorship.

SGAP Flap Breast Reconstruction Surgery

SGAP flap procedure uses skin and fat tissue from the buttock area to create a new breast following mastectomy. This animation illustrates the surgery.

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Surgery

This video animation demonstrates an advanced reconstruction option involving use of fat — not muscle — from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast.

Tissue Expanders

Staged breast reconstruction involves expansion of the breast skin and muscle using a temporary tissue expander. This animation illustrates the process.

Delayed Breast Reconstruction

Delayed breast reconstruction is an option if a plastic surgeon was not involved at the time of a mastectomy.

Breast Implants

A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline. This is a good option for women who do not require radiation therapy for their breast cancer treatment. It also may be easier to control the final size of the breast with implant reconstruction in some cases.

Revisions Surgery for Breast Reconstruction

Most women who undergo a mastectomy or lumpectomy elect to receive additional revision surgeries to improve shape, symmetry and aesthetics of their breasts, including a breast lift, fat grafting, nipple reconstruction or nipple tattoo.