Ans: Thanks for dropping a question. Your situation is quite common and actually being a bit overweight and having a bit bigger tummy can be actually an advantage in your case. One of the reconstruction methods uses the abdomen skin and fat to reconstruct the breast. It can be done using one of your abdominal muscles to transfer skin and fat to the mastectomy site, called TRAM flap. Or the same volume can be transferred to the chest using microsurgery techniques, sparing de abdominal muscle- the DIEP flap. Both are intended to mould the abdominal tissues in the chest to create a breast, and you’ll gain a tummy tuck, improving your abdominal contour significantly. This is usually the first step of the reconstruction. As it is a lengthy procedure, we need to stage it into different surgeries. The first is the actual breast reconstruction.

The second stage, in a situation like yours, is directed to reduce and lift the healthy breast to achieve symmetry. It is a more straightforward surgery. Sometimes we also need to work on the reconstructed breast to improve the result: doing some liposuction and\or fat graft to enhance the shape, improving scars, reconstructing the nipple and areola. In terms of recovery, the first stage has a longer downtime, as it is a quite extensive procedure and you’ll have some limitations in the post-operative period. It varies from patient to patient, depending on other associated illness, physical condition, age and family support. Taking the necessary precautions,you’ll be back to your routine in two to three weeks. Although avoiding exercise, lifting weights and strenuous activities for a variable and more prolonged period.

The second stage is usually planned after 4 to 6 months after the initial reconstruction, to allow the new breast to take shape and the tissues and scars to settle down. The recovery is much faster, and usually, after a week, you’ll be back to your normal life with some small limitations.