Breast reconstruction (following breast removal) is a surgery that's purpose is to create a natural-looking breast to replace the breast that has been removed because of breast cancer.

A number of methods may be used to rebuild the breast. Commonly, the breast skin is stretched and an implant is inserted beneath the chest muscle. Or, a breast may be formed using skin, fat and muscle from other parts of the body, such as the back, abdomen or buttocks. The nipple and areola are reconstructed in a later procedure.

For most women, recovery may take six weeks. It may take up to two years for scars to completely fade. The surgery is permanent; however, the breast's shape may change with aging and weight fluctuation.