The new breast mound is created by using either your own body tissue, an implant or both.
When using your own body tissue to create the breast mound, it is usually taken from the belly but it can also come from the buttocks or back. As the breast is reconstructed from natural tissue, the results have a more natural feel and appearance. This technique is more complex. Surgery and recovery time is usually longer.
Implant reconstruction can be performed in a single stage (one operation) or two stage (two operations). This is dependant on implant size, quality of the skin and patient preference.

In two stage surgery, the first operation is when an expander is placed under the skin and muscle at the site of the new breast. This is inflated with salt water injections over a period of weeks.

At the second operation, usually 3 months later, the expander is replaced with a permanent silicone implant. Sometimes a muscle from the back is used to assist in implant based reconstruction. This may be required in a single stage or two stage surgery.

Surgery to the other breast is often required or requested. This can be augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction.

Reconstruction of the nipple and areolar is usually performed some months later using the skin at the site of the nipple position. The reason for the delay is that the new breast at first will be higher than the other side so allowing time for it to settle means you have a better long term result. Tattooing can be used after this to give the skin a better match to the other side.