Posted: June 24, 2025
Breast reconstruction is a personal and often very significant aspect of the healing process for women undergoing mastectomy. One of the first decisions to consider is timing — whether the reconstruction can begin immediately or should be postponed until after cancer treatment.
Dr. Jay Orringer, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, specializes in breast reconstruction and offers both immediate and delayed approaches. While he usually favors some form of immediate reconstruction, he takes time to thoroughly evaluate each patient’s unique situation before recommending a treatment path.
What Is Immediate Reconstruction?
Immediate reconstruction is performed at the same time as the mastectomy. This approach may reduce the total number of surgical procedures and often allows for the preservation of the skin of the breast and the nipple, resulting in an often more natural result. Patients often find it comforting to awaken with a new breast mound and a feeling that they have already progressed on the road to emotional and physical recovery.
When feasible, immediate reconstruction also gives Dr. Orringer the opportunity to work collaboratively with the patient’s general surgeon, considering such options as the most cosmetic incision and ways to potentially optimize nipple preservation.
What Is Delayed Reconstruction?
Delayed reconstruction is performed weeks, months, or even years after mastectomy. While most patients, today, are candidates for some form of immediate reconstruction, patients with more extensive disease might need to postpone the reconstruction until pathology is known and additional therapy is completed. While immediate reconstruction usually achieves the most natural result, delayed reconstruction remains a highly effective option and may still allow for a pleasing breast reconstruction.
Which Approach Is Right for You?
Dr. Orringer provides a comprehensive consultation to help patients understand their options and make an informed decision. While he often recommends immediate reconstruction when medically appropriate, his priority is always to tailor the plan to the patient’s needs, cancer treatment timeline, and long-term well-being. Both implant and use of one’s own tissues for reconstruction will be discussed in detail.
To schedule a consultation with double board-certified, internationally known Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Jay Orringer, please call (310) 273-1663. Dr. Orringer welcomes patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Newport Beach, Northern California, nationally and internationally
