Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction
At a Glance: Surgeons place a final breast implant at the time of mastectomy.

Summary
This approach is most often suitable for patients who undergo skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomies. Once the breast surgeon has completed the mastectomy, a plastic surgeon places breast implants.
Subpectoral breast reconstruction: This more traditional approach places breast implants under the pectoralis muscle (UTM). It allows for additional soft tissue beneath reconstructed breast skin.
Procedure details:
- Doctor and patient work together to choose a type of breast implant
- The surgeon places implants over or under the pectoralis muscle
- A biologic tissue matrix placed around the implant helps secure the implant position
- Patients awaken from their mastectomy with a well-defined breast shape
Risks include breast skin rippling over the implant and issues with implant position. The natural capsule that forms around a breast can also thicken over time. This may result in firmness or capsular contracture. Most implanted related issues can be corrected through minor, outpatient revision procedures..
Implant reconstruction risks and difficulties tend to be greater for patients who have undergone radiation therapy, those with obesity, and in patients with a very large breast size before mastectomy.
Implant Reconstruction
Expander Implant