Are you a candidate for Microreconstruction?

Your weight should be stable, and your body mass index (BMI) should be below 35 – this is a strict criterion. If your BMI is over 35, this significantly increases your risk of complications. If you are overweight, you will be asked to lose weight before you can proceed with surgery.

The “physique” or “build” of your body is important. Where your fat is distributed depends on the choices available when deciding on the “donor” site for breast reconstruction. During your consultation, your surgeon will examine your abdomen, inner thighs, back and bottom to establish the most appropriate donor site for your “free flap” surgery.

Nicotine is detrimental to a good blood supply & can cause delayed wound healing post-surgery. If you smoke, vape nicotine or use nicotine replacement products, you will not be considered for free flap surgery and asked to stop. You should be nicotine free for a minimum of 8 weeks prior to surgery. We will not agree to surgery if you smoke or use nicotine products.

There are no age restrictions when deciding on surgery, however; the older you are, the more likely you are to have comorbidities (other medical / health conditions). The quality of your blood vessels can deteriorate as you get older, this in turn can cause issues when connecting the blood vessels with microsurgery in the “free flap” – the arteries and veins.

It is important you disclose to the consultant all medications (both prescription & over the counter) that you take. Some medications may need to be stopped before surgery as they could be deleterious to such a long surgery. If you are on Tamoxifen you will be asked to stop this 3 weeks prior to surgery and can re-start 2 weeks after.

It is important that you attend the appointment with an open mind as the reconstruction you wish to have, may not be possible. Your consultant will examine you and discuss with you the most appropriate options you have available. The realistic goal of breast reconstruction is comfort and symmetry within your clothing.

If you require radiotherapy as part of your cancer (oncology) treatment, it is preferable NOT to proceed with a free flap reconstruction until one year after completion of radiotherapy. This is because radiotherapy can affect the reconstruction adversely.

It is important that you discuss all your medical conditions as there are some that may adversely affect the decision to proceed with free flap surgery.