Breast Reconstructive Surgery

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We offer a comprehensive breast reconstruction service.

About our service

Breast Reconstruction surgery is performed at Pinderfields Hospital. We offer consultations at all three hospital sites.

We offer a comprehensive breast reconstruction service and work closely with our breast surgeons and team to ensure patients have access to reconstructive surgery. 

We are one of the very few plastic surgery departments that offer all modalities of breast reconstruction. This means that you have a large choice of options to suit your expectations and wishes.

The decision to have breast reconstruction is a very personal choice and you now have the opportunity to determine what you want to have happen next. But first you must do some careful thinking and delving into your feelings in order to figure out what is best for you. You must consider if a breast reconstruction is right for you, and what technique would you prefer.

Breast Reconstruction can be performed immediately at the time of mastectomy or at a much later time following mastectomy. We also perform revision breast reconstruction when surgery carried out elsewhere has not given the desired result.

Breast Reconstruction is offered by:

  • Ms Orla Austin
  • Mr Paul Mohammad
  • Mr Will Holmes
  • Mr Nikos Lymperopoulos

Breast reconstruction

The decision to have reconstruction is very personal and can be difficult, especially with so many choices available. We have a great team of Breast Care Nurses that work closely with us who can help you access accurate information and arrange your appointment with a plastic surgeon. Breast cancer surgery can be a deeply traumatic experience. You may feel that your breasts are very important to your idea of yourself as a woman. Many women have conflicting emotions, such as grief, fear, shock, anger and resentment. All patients are given the opportunity to discuss their concerns about surgery with a Plastic Surgeon and the team.

The breastcancer.org website provides information and a list of important questions you should ask yourself when considering breast reconstruction. 

For patients considering reconstruction at the time of a mastectomy

The Breast Oncology Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) meet every Thursday from 2 - 6pm.

Patients results are discussed and decisions are made about treatments options. Most patients are then seen in the breast clinic to discuss these and this is where you can request or may be offered reconstruction. You will then be referred to our service usually by the breast care nurse.

All patients should receive the BAPRAS Breast Reconstruction Booklet

For those considering reconstruction following a mastectomy

You can asked to be referred directly to the plastic surgery team by any member of the breast team involved in your care. This includes the breast surgeon, oncologist or breast care nurses.

Your GP can refer you at any time.  We also accept referrals from GPs and other NHS trusts.

Types of breast reconstruction

The types of operations are on offer for breast reconstruction
  • Autologous reconstruction - DIEP, TUG, Latissimus Dorsi
  • Implant reconstruction
  • Oncoplastic techniques
  • Breast reductions/uplifts
  • Breast Augmentation
  • Implant exchange/replacement/adjustment
  • Lipofilling
  • Liposuction
  • Scar revision
The service we offer at Mid Yorkshire
  • Immediate reconstruction
  • Delayed reconstruction
  • Corrective implant surgery
  • Corrective post breast conserving surgery
  • Prophylactic surgery and reconstruction for patients with BRCA or other gene carriers (e.g. PALB2)

Non cancer breast surgery

Non cancer breast surgery

Various types of non-cancer breast surgery are offered on the NHS to address a range of issues, including benign breast conditions, breast asymmetry, and cosmetic concerns. Almost all of these conditions require funding approval that is managed by your GP. Without funding approval these are routinely commissioned. They may refer you for an opinion prior to securing funding. Some of the common types of non-cancer breast surgery offered on the NHS include:

  • Breast Reduction Surgery - Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is performed to reduce the size and reshape the breasts. This procedure is often recommended for women with disproportionately large breasts (macromastia) that cause physical discomfort, pain, or limitations in daily activities.

  • Breast Augmentation Surgery - Breast augmentation surgery, or augmentation mammoplasty, involves increasing the size and enhancing the shape of the breasts using implants or fat transfer techniques. This procedure is commonly sought by women who desire fuller, more symmetrical breasts for aesthetic reasons, or who have congenital lack of breast development.

  • Breast Lift Surgery - Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is performed to lift and reshape sagging or ptotic breasts, restoring a more youthful and perky appearance. This procedure is suitable for women who experience breast ptosis due to factors such as aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss.

  • Correction of Breast Asymmetry - Surgery to correct breast asymmetry involves balancing the size, shape, and position of the breasts to achieve improved symmetry and proportion. This procedure may involve a combination of breast reduction, augmentation, or lift techniques tailored to the individual's specific needs.

  • Treatment of Gynecomastia - Gynecomastia surgery is performed to reduce excess breast tissue in men, addressing a condition characterized by enlarged or overdeveloped breasts. The surgery may involve liposuction, glandular tissue excision, or a combination of both to achieve a flatter and more masculine chest contour.

  • Breast Reconstruction Surgery (Non-Cancer Related) - Breast reconstruction surgery may be offered to individuals who have congenital breast abnormalities, such as Poland syndrome or tuberous breast deformity. The procedure aims to restore a natural breast appearance and may involve techniques such as tissue expansion, implants, or autologous tissue transfer.

  • Complications with breast implants – rupture — Many patients pay for cosmetic breasts augmentation eith in the UK or abroad. If you are referred to the NHS with an implant problem we will only remove the implants We do not offer replacement or adjustment without individual funding. 

These non-cancer breast surgeries are performed by qualified plastic surgeons and are offered on the NHS based on clinical need, eligibility criteria, and availability of resources. Patients interested in non-cancer breast surgery can discuss their. 

Your breast construction journey

The journey of breast reconstruction is a process that involves several stages, each with its own considerations and decisions. Here's an overview of the typical journey of breast reconstruction.

Consultation with Surgeon
The journey begins with a consultation with a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction. During this appointment, the surgeon evaluates your medical history, discusses reconstructive options, and helps you understand the benefits and risks of each technique. You will also have the opportunity to meet with the breast reconstructive nurse who will act as your point-of-contact and advocate throughout your entire journey.

Links to useful resources:

Decision Making

You and the surgeon work together to determine the most suitable reconstruction method based your anatomy, cancer treatment plan, personal preferences, and overall health. We will provide lots of information and time for you to make the decision that is right for you.

Surgical Procedure

     Primary Surgery (Mastectomy) — for women who have undergone mastectomy as part of their breast cancer treatment, the reconstruction process typically starts with the mastectomy surgery performed by a breast surgeon. In some cases, the mastectomy and reconstruction may be performed in the same surgery (immediate reconstruction), while in others, the reconstruction may be delayed until after cancer treatment is complete (delayed reconstruction).

Find out more about what to bring when you are coming to hospital.

Reconstruction Surgery — depending on the chosen reconstruction method (autologous, implant-based, or hybrid), the reconstruction surgery is performed by the plastic surgeon. This surgery involves creating a breast mound using the patient's own tissue, implants, or a combination of both. The surgery can be extensive, requiring several hours in the operating room.

Post-Operative Recovery

Hospital Stay —  the length of hospital stay varies depending on the type of reconstruction and a patients needs. Autologous reconstruction may require a longer hospital stay compared to implant-based techniques due to the complexity of the surgery and the need for monitoring. Most patients require 1 night in hospital. Patients who have autologous reconstruction usually require 2-3 nights in hospital.

Recovery Period — after discharge from the hospital, you will undergo a recovery period during which they may experience discomfort, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Pain management and follow-up appointments with the surgical team are important during this phase.

Follow-Up Care

Monitoring and Follow-Up Appointments — you will have regular follow-up appointments with your surgical team to monitor the healing process, assess the outcome of reconstruction, and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Additional Procedures — you may require additional procedures to optimize the aesthetic outcome of your reconstruction, address complications, or make adjustments based on personal preferences.

Emotional and Psychological Support

Counseling and Support Groups — the emotional impact of breast reconstruction can be significant. You may experience a range of emotions throughout the journey, including anxiety, grief, body image concerns, and relief. Counseling, support groups, and connecting with other women who have undergone reconstruction can provide valuable emotional support and encouragement.

Adapting to Changes — adjusting to the changes in body image and coping with the physical and emotional aspects of breast reconstruction is a gradual process that may take time. Patience, self-care, and open communication with healthcare providers and loved ones can help navigate this journey. We have a large group of psychologists and breast care nurses with psychology training who will help you navigate this difficult time.

In summary, the journey of breast reconstruction involves careful consideration, collaboration between the patient and surgical team, surgical procedures, post-operative recovery, follow-up care, and emotional support. It is a personalised process aimed at restoring confidence, well-being, and quality of life for women who have undergone mastectomy.

We are delighted to welcome you to our service and look forward to meeting you.

 

Sarha Bamfield in our breast reconstruction nurse. Her role is integral to providing holistic, patient-centered care throughout the breast reconstruction journey. By offering education, support, coordination, and advocacy, she plays a vital role in helping patients make informed decisions, optimize surgical outcomes, and achieve overall wellness and quality of life.

What our patients say

Excellent care from all. Breast care staff + recovery staff excellent care from all theatre staff doctors etc. Excellent care from all staff.

All the staff in the breast clinic have been amazing.

Key stats

  • Formal breast-Q feedback at 3 months reveals 100% satisfaction with surgeon, medical team and staff.
  • Formal feedback at 3-months reveals 88% satisfaction with information.
  • For our DIEPS we have one of the shortest lengths of stay in the country.

Key achievements

Since July 2018 we have successfully developed a microsurgical breast reconstruction service offering DIEP and other free flap surgery for women wanting breasts reconstruction. In just 3 years have reported outcomes comparable with some of the best centres in the world. Our patient reported outcomes have shown significant improvement and a very high satisfaction. If you come for a free flap to our service you will be asked to complete questionnaires during your journey to help us constantly improve the service we offer. The decision to have a DIEP breast reconstruction must be taken carefully and not all patients are eligible as whilst this technique demonstrated greater patient satisfaction and longevity, It carries greater risks of failure than an implant or pedicle flap reconstruction. If you smoke, have multiple medical problem or are obese, this surgery may not be suitable for you.