If you have breast reconstruction done at the same time as your mastectomy, this is called immediate reconstruction. Delayed reconstruction is the term used if you choose to have the mastectomy done and then wait to have reconstruction surgery. At UCSF, we perform both immediate and delayed breast reconstruction.
For a number of reasons, many patients prefer not to wait. With immediate reconstruction, the patient needs fewer surgeries and may have a better cosmetic result. In addition, there can be a psychological benefit to having reconstruction right away rather than waiting.