Welcome!
Breast
Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a staged, evidence-based process designed to restore breast form and proportion after cancer treatment, combining implants, fat grafting and nipple reconstruction in a carefully planned sequence to optimise comfort, symmetry and long-term tissue health.
​My Approach
Breast reconstruction is not a single operation - it is a carefully planned journey that spans almost 1-2 years and potentially multiple procedures.
My approach focuses on preparation, proportion, and patience, recognising that the most natural and stable results come from rebuilding in thoughtful stages rather than trying to do everything at once.
For many women, breast reconstruction is about more than restoring shape - it’s about restoring their confidence, identity and dignity after cancer treatment.
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Read on to find out more about breast reconstructive options before and after breast cancer treatment.
Planning & Technique
Before: Pre-reconstruction Mastopexy or Reduction
In some patients, especially those with larger or drooping breasts, I may recommend a breast lift or reduction before mastectomy. This helps to reposition the nipple and reshape the skin envelope first, so that reconstruction later can be performed more safely and accurately. Trying to correct both problems at once - during or after mastectomy often causes further injury to tissues which can result in skin and nipple loss. A recent study in PRS Global Open supports this staged approach, showing that primary nipple repositioning before mastectomy lowers complication rates and improves reconstructive outcomes.
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After: Restoring Volume, Shape and Symmetry
For patients who have completed chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or hormonal therapy, reconstruction is usually delayed until tissues have recovered. This typically involves replacing tissue expanders with breast implants (for volume) and using fat grafting to soften and smoothen contours (for shape), especially in areas affected by radiation. Nipple reconstruction is typically performed as the final stage, once everything has settled - to restore a natural sense of wholeness (see my hand drawn picture of this procedure below).
When only one breast requires reconstruction, balancing procedures such as reduction, uplift, or small-volume fat grafting may be done on the other side (see another hand drawn picture by me of this procedure below). The aim is not mirror-image perfection but comfort and proportion - so that clothing fits naturally and movement feels balanced again.
Recovery & Expectations
Each stage of reconstruction has its own recovery timeline.
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After implant exchange and fat grafting, most patients return to light activity in one to two weeks.
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Swelling and bruising usually settle within a few weeks.
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Nanofat and nipple reconstruction are gentler stages, with minimal downtime.
Follow-up visits are essential throughout this process to ensure healing, symmetry, and comfort at every step.
Post-operative care extends beyond routine reviews - it is an integral part of Dr Ng’s surgical philosophy. Through Doctor Stitch, an aftercare service founded to ensure seamless continuity and comfort, every patient is followed up personally by Dr Ng. Whether at home or in clinic, he provides attentive, discreet, and consistent care throughout the recovery journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What stages are involved in breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction typically spans multiple stages. It may begin with optimisation of skin and chest wall anatomy, proceed through the placement of implants and/or fat grafting for volume and contour, and conclude with nipple and areola reconstruction once tissues have settled.
2. Why might a mastopexy or reduction be performed before mastectomy?
In patients with larger or ptotic breasts, a staged mastopexy or reduction improves skin envelope shape and nipple position before mastectomy. This allows later reconstruction to be more accurate and reduces risks such as skin or nipple loss.
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3. Is reconstruction performed immediately after cancer surgery?
Reconstruction timing depends on cancer treatment and tissue quality. Often, reconstruction is delayed until after chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or hormonal therapy to allow tissues to recover and improve the quality of the reconstruction. In appropriate cases, immediate reconstruction can be performed.
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4. What can I expect in terms of recovery?
Each reconstruction stage has its own timeline. After implant exchange or fat grafting, most patients return to light activity within 1 to 2 weeks, with swelling settling over several weeks. Nipple reconstruction and fat grafting typically involve minimal downtime.
5. Will I require follow-up care?
Yes, follow-up is essential at every stage to ensure symmetry, healing and comfort. Through Doctor Stitch, patients receive continuity of aftercare from Dr Ng personally, whether at home or in clinic.
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6. Can the other breast be adjusted for balance?
When only one breast requires reconstruction, procedures such as reduction, uplift or small-volume fat grafting may be performed on the opposite side to improve comfort, symmetry and how clothing fits, prioritising proportion over mirror-image perfection.
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Related Reading​
If you’re exploring your reconstructive options after breast surgery, you may also find these pages helpful:
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Breast Lift – for reshaping or balancing after reconstruction
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Breast Fat Grafting - for natural restoration using your own tissue
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Nanofat Grafting - to rejuvenate skin affected by radiotherapy or scarring
