Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is surgery that restores shape to the breast using tissue from another area of the body. The surgery is most often done after a mastectomy to treat or prevent breast cancer. A mastectomy is surgery to remove all breast tissue from a breast.

In breast reconstruction with flap surgery, a surgeon takes tissue from another area of the body to shape the new breast. The piece of tissue is called a flap. The flap most often comes from the belly. A plastic surgeon does this complex procedure.

The breast reconstruction process typically starts at the time of the mastectomy. Often it is a process that may need two or more operations to complete.

The goal of breast reconstruction is to give you the most natural look and feel possible after breast cancer surgery. Some people say having breast reconstruction improves their confidence and the comfort they feel with their bodies. Others say their new breast helps them feel whole and gives them a more positive outlook. But breast reconstruction can't replace your breast exactly. The new breast may not look or feel the same or have the same sensations as a natural breast.