---
title: "Breast Reconstruction Options: What's Best for You?"
date: 2018-10-16T22:21:21-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/breast-reconstruction-options-whats-best-for-you"
section: Blog (Archive)
---
[Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate)

[From the Archives of Our Bodies, Our Blog](/blog)# Breast Reconstruction Options: What's Best for You?

By Our Bodies Ourselves • October 16, 2018

Please note: This entry -- originally posted at [Our Bodies, Our Blog](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog) -- has not been updated since the publication date listed above.

![Reconstruction Chen2](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAQCAIAAAD4YuoOAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAClklEQVQ4jW1TW47kNhAjWeq5/wXyGeSGa1tSkflQ9+xskIJgwIZBio/iP3//BSSO3e7uvXvtvVev1Xu7l7vjRgKEJEVKKlGSBJIkSIBBEiRxkCQJApEACHw/8eM9CH5/JMED+D+DD05ABOckGSQJWFQQvC+DfP8LBszhI0lJLElSFSX8vj7sBIGdxI6TJEMiApj+aCVAhA4TOko+Ao4rqipV8RBIP9CNdkCHbbt9CJREIMKQPug56KYNBwlFkcWDPvQa+hAEdIJO0DaA2OhG79gex1gfDxEmcGCnG220aQMRUIUSS1VjVA2NwVKoAM5hIYkkcXdn77gzAOAd5cnesdNOd3ZnN2wShGgILKqOS6NYBcoAHcfUBgXQoQ139s5IjCT+TLd7e2+v3WtlbSQSgpEK/E5blFhUgTrSJUqhfDg+IWJ0N46m3r13773XXnP1XP2s7I1YUgJKHqccb8mntgHBkDk78uOQ1NhrvU1be6+55lxz7jn38/Qz3wpKI4bIUdyDuzXMCvwu/WnZ2RHpmKiqQjie+RwFe+39zPU867nXfe/77ntmbyRVan+ZjCpVqEKNqAUyhJi8l+a95lVjGIHU477vPwjuZ173uq593ft+sjYDVb3aDZiyFJVVJitQwE9TE5AsaQwhQ6StcV9X/ktwzetev66+H8/NoKpG9wo21ZJVTRkcYRmqgggQCAGJo0SginbG9SfBvO953fO61nXt6/GzYNQYr/YOWh8FVEiHI1Ai1WkTCdWRQVtIxn3f3yGvQ/Dcz33N69q/7jdBvV5OU66BGqgRFaRQIQeQgiCSAESmcIqXZKw5k7i991przrXme571PH1PNGq0KYyXvr40l7621q5Xa7fUlEiGpN5bceoLJOC/fKumEPOJn5kAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) 

[callout][Some women decide to forego reconstruction and instead “go flat.” Read more->](/2016/11/to-have-or-have-not-breast-reconstruction-and-going-flat/)[/callout]Women with breast cancer who undergo mastectomies often face difficult decisions about breast reconstruction. The first is whether or not to undergo reconstruction; the second, if reconstruction is chosen, is what kind of reconstruction to have?  
  
[callout][Learn more about the risks of breast implants and the need for better research ->](/book-excerpts/health-article/facts-about-breast-implants/)[/callout]Breasts can be rebuilt using implants — either saline or silicone — or they can be rebuilt using autologous tissue, which means tissue from different parts of a woman's body. Sometimes both techniques are used together. It's important to find out all you can about your options, as all reconstruction procedure involves some risk.  
  
Dr. Constance Chen is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in the use of innovative techniques to optimize medical and aesthetic outcomes for breast reconstruction. In the video below, Dr. Chen and several of her patients discuss their experiences and decision-making process as well as the pros and cons of reconstruction options.   
  
  
  
For more information about Dr. Chen and her practice, visit [www.constancechenmd.com](http://constancechenmd.com/).

---

#### 3 Responses

Our Bodies Ourselves is no longer able to accept comments.

**Esther Warkov** on Oct 17, 2018

Very informative. Flat and Fabulous is a good resource for those who want to discuss options and share photos; they maintain a private Facebook group.

**Miriam** on Oct 29, 2018

Such important information that every woman needs know. This film should be in every doctor's office so everyone truly knows the dangers and options available. A public service to all women!

**Michelle Peterson** on May 20, 2020

Excellent interview and novel information. I had no idea about breast flaps only heard of implants. Thank you for this interview. Most helpful!

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [Breast Cancer](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/topic/breast-cancer)
- [Breast Implants](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/topic/breast-implants)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

Share

[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)