With reference to the time of tumor extirpation (mastectomy), reconstruction can be done:
- Immediately
- Performed immediately following mastectomy
- Delayed
- Performed at some point after mastectomy
- May be weeks to many years later
- Staged
- Performed in multiple planned stages (i.e. such as placement of tissue expanders to preserve breast shape/size while post-mastectomy radiation is delivered)
- Not at all
- Patients may elect to not undergo reconstruction
Factors that Guide Decision of Reconstruction Timing
- Need for post-mastectomy radiation