There are two types of reconstruction: flap or implant. This decision is one that must be closely made with your doctor because not everyone is a candidate for both methods. The flap-based, or autologous, approach is when the surgeon uses your own tissue to create a breast. One benefit to this approach is that there is nothing that can rupture later on, which can be a risk with alloplastic implants.A con is that the tissue used for this method of reconstruction can come from your stomach, thighs, back or buttocks. So, you'll have pain in more than one area of your body after surgery.If implants are an option for you and you choose to go that route, reconstruction can be done in one or two stages. Sometimes the implant can be inserted when you have your mastectomy. Otherwise, the surgeon will insert a tissue expander after the mastectomy. This is a silicone insert that is gradually filled with saline to stretch the skin. A few months later, the implant is placed. You may want to consider that implants are not a permanent solution, and you may require additional surgeries to remove or replace them down the road. However, even a flap reconstruction could require additional surgery over time.