Immediate reconstruction of the breast occurs at the time of mastectomy. That means that during your surgery, your breast surgical oncologist will perform the mastectomy, and once complete, Dr. Holmes will reconstruct your breasts during the same operative setting. Your options in immediate reconstruction include placement of tissue expanders, immediate placement of permanent implants, or autologous tissue reconstruction. The ability for you to undergo immediate reconstruction will depend on the skin quality after mastectomy. As opposed to immediate reconstruction, delayed reconstruction occurs months or even years after your mastectomy. In certain circumstances, women prefer to complete their oncologic treatment prior to undergoing reconstruction. Another reason to delay reconstruction is for poor skin quality at the time of mastectomy. Either way, Dr. Holmes will help make the best choice for you.