The two categories of breast reconstruction vary quite a bit. Interestingly, many patients think that a tissue expansion operation has an easier recovery. Yes, the initial operation usually is less painful and the recovery is easier than most autologous reconstructive procedures. However, many patients do not realize the follow-up necessary to inflate the tissue expander takes several weeks to months. Also, there are secondary procedures that are performed during the exchange of the tissue expander for an implant. A mastopexy or breast reduction might need to be performed on the opposite breast. Then there is a third procedure to create the nipple and areola complex. Most autologous reconstructions using your own tissue are a longer operation with a tougher recovery. Yet the follow-up does not require serial tissue expansion and possibly the only additional procedure might be a breast lift, reduction of the opposite breast, and a nipple and areola reconstruction. Most patients prefer the more natural feel of an autologous breast reconstruction.