RESTORE. REBUILD. RECLAIM.
Surgery to restore the appearance and form of the breast after mastectomy or injury, planned around your anatomy, your treatment timeline and what matters most to you.
ABOUT THIS PROCEDURE
Breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. Its goal is to recreate a breast that looks and feels as natural as possible after mastectomy or injury.
The procedure is carried out in a wide variety of ways, and no two reconstructions are the same. The right approach depends on your body, the nature of your treatment, the timing of reconstruction, and what matters most to you personally. Techniques range from implant-based reconstruction using silicone prostheses or tissue expanders, to autologous (tissue-based) methods that use your own body tissue to rebuild the breast from within.
You can explore each approach in detail within the dedicated reconstructive sections: tissue-based options including DIEP and LD Flap surgery, and implant-based reconstruction. This page is a starting point: an overview of what is possible and how to begin.
TIMING YOUR RECONSTRUCTION
There is no single right time. Reconstruction is possible at every stage of treatment.
OPTION ONE
Reconstruction performed at the same time as the mastectomy. Patients wake from surgery with a breast mound already in place, avoiding a second general anaesthetic and reducing the period spent without a breast.
OPTION TWO
Reconstruction carried out months or years after the original mastectomy. This may be recommended when radiotherapy is part of the treatment plan, or when a patient simply needs more time before committing. There is no deadline.
OPTION THREE
Refinement or full revision of a previous reconstruction that has not achieved the desired result, whether because of implant complications, asymmetry, or an earlier procedure that no longer meets the patient’s expectations. Prof. Hindocha regularly takes on revision cases.
PROCEDURE AT A GLANCE
Specifics vary by technique and will be confirmed at your consultation.
Surgery Time
Anaesthesia
Hospital Stay
Initial Recovery
First Follow-up
The exact surgical approach is determined at consultation, based on your individual anatomy and goals.
RECOVERY TIMELINE
Weeks 1–2
You will be monitored closely for several days following surgery. Pain is carefully managed, and any surgical drains remain in place until output is sufficiently low. Rest is the priority at this stage.
Weeks 2–4
Most patients return home and begin gentle movement. Remaining drains are removed at follow-up. Fatigue is entirely normal. Light daily tasks can usually resume by the end of this period.
Weeks 4–8
Energy improves and gentle exercise can resume. Most patients return to desk-based work during this window. Tissue-based reconstructions continue to soften and settle naturally into their final shape.
3+ Months
The reconstructed breast takes its final form as residual swelling resolves. Refinement procedures, such as nipple reconstruction or symmetry adjustments to the opposite breast, can be considered at this stage.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The goal of reconstruction is restoration, not perfection. What reconstruction can offer:
WHY CONSIDER RECONSTRUCTION
Reconstruction can happen at the time of mastectomy or months and years later. Both are equally valid, and the timing is yours to decide in consultation with your surgical and oncology teams.
No two reconstructions are the same. Technique, implant type, flap choice, and staging are all selected to suit your individual anatomy, tissue quality, and the result you want to achieve.
DIEP flap and other microsurgical approaches use your own tissue to build a breast that moves and ages naturally, with no foreign material.
Research consistently shows that breast reconstruction has a significant positive effect on quality of life, psychological wellbeing, and long-term body image following mastectomy.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS
Implant-based reconstruction uses a silicone prosthesis or tissue expander to rebuild the breast mound. It involves a shorter operation and recovery, and suits patients who prefer a less extensive procedure or have limited donor tissue available.
Tissue-based (autologous) reconstruction, such as DIEP or LD flap, uses your own body tissue to build a breast that behaves naturally over time. These procedures require a longer operation but often deliver the most natural long-term result.
Questions to Guide You
MANAGING EXPECTATIONS
A reconstructed breast will not be identical to your natural breast, and it helps to go into the process with honest expectations. What reconstruction achieves is a breast that, in clothing and everyday life, is barely distinguishable from your own.
Shape, volume and position are created to complement your opposite breast. Sensation may take time to return and for some patients does not fully return, although feeling in the surrounding tissue often improves over the first year.
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Breast reconstruction is suitable for most patients who have undergone or are planning a mastectomy. You may be a good candidate if you:
EXPLORE FURTHER
Each technique is explored in full within its own dedicated section.
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Tissue-based breast reconstruction using your own body's natural tissue.
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Breast reconstruction using silicone implants or tissue expanders.
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Surgical restoration following injury, accident, or complications from previous surgery.
Verified patient reviews
Independently published reviews from patients of Prof. Hindocha, quoted in full and exactly as written. Every one links back to its source.
★★★★★
After years of being unhappy with my breasts after breastfeeding, I'm so glad I trusted my instincts and waited until I found the right surgeon. From my first consultation, Professor Hindocha made me feel completely at ease and I knew I could trust him. I'm only a week post-op and already love my results. I feel incredibly lucky to have found him and truly believe I found the best surgeon.
K.N.
Breast surgery patient
★★★★★
Amazing experience and surgeon. So incredibly thorough, precise and professional. Went above and beyond to explain every last detail to me, he put me at ease, didn't mind a family member being there, very down to earth, can't praise him enough. Would only use this surgeon now.
L.O.
Consultation and surgery
★★★★★
I cannot recommend prof Hindocha enough, from consultation to aftercare he has amazing as have his team. Very professional , I felt very reassured through every step of the process. Thank you Prof Hindocha and team for your kind and professional care.
D.T.
Consultation to aftercare
Read all verified patient reviews
Patient stories describe individual experiences. Results vary from person to person, and the risks, limitations and likely outcome of any procedure are discussed with you at consultation.
BOOK A CONSULTATION
No pressure. Just clarity.
A private consultation with Prof. Hindocha is the first step toward understanding your options fully. There is no obligation, just time to ask questions, discuss your concerns, and find the path that is right for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Honest answers to what patients most want to know.
