If you're thinking about breast reconstruction with flap surgery, talk with a plastic surgeon about your options. Choose a plastic surgeon who is board certified and experienced in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. It's ideal if your breast cancer surgeon and the plastic surgeon work together. Then they can come up with the best surgical treatment and breast reconstruction plan for you.

Your plastic surgeon talks with you about your surgical choices and the pros and cons of reconstruction with flap surgery. You may see photos of people who have had different types of breast reconstruction.

Your body type, health and cancer treatment go into deciding which type of reconstruction will give you the best result. The plastic surgeon talks with you about where the surgery will take place and what follow-up procedures you might need.

Some people choose to have surgery on the other breast so that it matches the new breast. Ask your plastic surgeon about the pros and cons of having surgery on your other breast.

Your healthcare team may provide instructions about how to get ready for surgery. The instructions might include stopping or changing some medicines. The instructions also might say to quit smoking if you smoke. Smoking makes it harder for the body to heal after surgery. Follow your healthcare team's instructions carefully.