First, our goal for your breast reconstruction is to be symmetric in clothing (with your bra on). You will always have some form of scar on your breast (possibly more than one) and scars elsewhere on your body, depending on the choice for reconstruction. The process of reconstruction usually takes six months to a year to complete. The first surgery is usually the longest and most difficult. The second surgery, usually about three months after the first, is to improve breast symmetry. The last steps in breast reconstruction are the creation of a nipple and the areola if you choose. Both of these procedures are done later and usually in the clinic about six months and nine months, respectively, after your first surgery. In most cases, your reconstructed breasts will have some pressure sensation eventually, but there may be areas of permanent numbness; erogenous sensation of the nipples cannot be restored. There are factors that determine which type of reconstruction is best for you. n•tType and stage of cancer n•tbody size and shape n•tgoals for reconstruction n•tneed for additional therapy n•tcurrent health status n•tprior surgeries nThere are three options for breast reconstruction:n•tImplantsn•tYour own tissuen•tCombination of implants and your own tissue