Breast Reconstruction Options Following Breast Cancer Surgery. There are many ways to reconstruct a missing or deformed breast. Understanding these options requires some understanding of the breast itself. Breasts are modified sweat glands that are derived from skin structures. The breasts get their shape and contour from the balance between the skin envelope and the breast volume.
Volume is made up of glandular breast tissue, fatty tissue, fibrous tissue, and ductal tissue.
This decrease in breast volume also leads to ptosis as the balance between the skin envelope and volume changes. Breast reconstruction requires taking into account the amount of skin remaining on the chest and the quality of that skin. Excess scarring or dense radiation changes may necessitate a breast reconstruction which brings skin and volume to the area. A mature breast will require a reconstruction that mimics normal breast ptosis. Your new breast needs to look like it belongs there for it to have the most desired cosmetic effect.