Techniques for breast reconstruction have come a long way. Wendy Lewis, an international beauty consultant and expert, and author of America's Cosmetic Doctors, is here to help you navigate the newest developments. Women with congenital breast deformities as well as women who have undergone a lumpectomy or a mastectomy can often suffer considerably from the physical and psychological implications. Breast reconstruction is an umbrella term which describes a variety of surgical methods designed to help the recovery. Breast reconstruction can be performed in conjunction with a lumpectomy or a mastectomy, or can be delayed for weeks or even years after the initial procedure. Breasts can be reconstructed using an implant, your own tissue or a combination of both. Potential stages might include tissue expansion, insertion of an implant, and performing nipple or areola reconstruction. Cosmetic work on the other breast may also be done at the same time so that your breasts will appear symmetrical and identical. Surgery is usually not a one-time procedure, but rather a series of necessary steps to achieve the final result. After surgery for breast cancer, if your skin is very tight you may need tissue expansion prior to reconstruction. To do this, a balloon expander is placed under the skin and chest muscle, and is gradually filled with salt-water solution to stretch the skin. The process will take from several weeks to a few months, at which point either the expander will be left in or it will be replaced with a permanent implant, and the areola can be reconstructed. Another method of breast reconstruction involves the grafting of your own tissue onto the breast and then reconnecting the blood vessels contained in the tissue to the grafting site. The advantage of this surgery is that your own skin will be used, but it is more complex and involves additional scarring and a longer recovery period, since there are two surgical sites that must heal. Women undergoing breast reconstruction have a choice of implants filled with silicone gel or sterile saltwater. In most cases, surgery can be performed in the hospital or an outpatient surgery center. Recovery may take up to two weeks. For best results, breast reconstruction should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. You should see several surgeons to discuss all your options before undergoing breast cancer surgery so you know what to expect. When performed by an expert surgeon, your breasts can be beautifully restored to look very natural. While there is no evidence that reconstructive breast surgery will either prevent future cancer or cause it to return, you should continue to visit your doctor for regular mammograms to keep your breasts healthy. Want to learn more? Check out the other videos and sources on this site for more information.