Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a highly personalised process that aims to restore breast shape, contour, symmetry, and confidence following breast cancer surgery. Reconstruction may be performed at the same time as mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at a later stage following cancer treatment (delayed reconstruction).

Modern breast reconstruction combines advanced surgical techniques with thoughtful, individualised planning to achieve outcomes that support both cancer treatment and long-term wellbeing. Associate Professor Farid Meybodi has a particular interest in oncoplastic breast surgery and breast reconstruction, with extensive experience in implant-based reconstruction, volume replacement techniques, and personalised reconstructive care.

A Personalised Approach to Reconstruction

Every patient’s diagnosis, anatomy, treatment pathway, and personal goals are unique. Breast reconstruction planning considers:

• cancer type and stage
• breast size and shape
• body proportions
• skin quality
• need for radiation therapy
• previous surgery
• lifestyle factors and personal preferences

The goal is to develop an individualised reconstructive plan that balances oncological safety, recovery, symmetry, and long-term aesthetic outcomes.

A/Prof Farid Meybodi works closely with multidisciplinary breast cancer teams to ensure reconstruction planning is carefully integrated into overall cancer treatment.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction

Immediate breast reconstruction is performed at the same time as mastectomy. This approach allows restoration of breast shape during the initial cancer operation and may help reduce the emotional and physical impact of breast loss for some patients.

Potential benefits of immediate reconstruction may include:

• preservation of breast skin envelope
• improved breast contour
• fewer overall operations in selected patients
• improved psychological adjustment following mastectomy

Not all patients are suitable candidates for immediate reconstruction, and recommendations depend on tumour characteristics, overall treatment plans, and patient-specific considerations.

Delayed Breast Reconstruction

Delayed breast reconstruction is performed months or years after mastectomy and may be recommended when additional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy are required before reconstruction.

Some patients also choose delayed reconstruction for personal or medical reasons.

Delayed reconstruction can still achieve excellent outcomes and allows time for:

• completion of cancer treatment
• healing of tissues
• careful reconstructive planning
• consideration of reconstructive options
• Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction

Implant-based reconstruction is one of the most commonly performed forms of breast reconstruction and may be suitable for selected patients undergoing mastectomy.

This approach uses breast implants to restore breast volume and contour and may involve:

• direct-to-implant reconstructionstaged reconstruction using tissue expanders
• staged reconstruction using tissue expanders
• implant revision procedures

A/Prof Farid Meybodi has a strong academic and clinical interest in implant-based breast reconstruction and has contributed to innovations in breast implant reconstruction techniques presented nationally and internationally.

Oncoplastic & Volume Replacement Techniques

In some patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery, oncoplastic reconstruction techniques may help preserve breast shape and minimise contour deformity following tumour removal.

Volume replacement techniques involve using nearby tissue to restore breast contour after lumpectomy or partial breast tissue removal. These approaches may help:

• improve symmetry
• reduce deformity following cancer surgery
• allow wider cancer excision
• preserve breast appearance

A/Prof Farid Meybodi has developed innovative techniques in volume replacement breast surgery that have attracted significant interest from Australian and international oncoplastic breast surgeons.

Revision Breast Reconstruction

Some patients may require or choose revision surgery following previous breast reconstruction. Revision procedures may be performed to address:

• asymmetry
• implant-related concerns
• contour irregularities
• capsular contracture
• changes following radiation therapy
• long-term aesthetic refinement

Revision reconstruction is highly individualised and aims to optimise both comfort and cosmetic outcomes.

Fat Grafting & Contour Refinement

Fat grafting (lipofilling) may be used as part of breast reconstruction or revision surgery to improve contour, soften reconstructed tissue, and enhance symmetry.

The procedure involves transferring the patient’s own fat from another part of the body into targeted areas of the breast or chest wall. Fat grafting may help:

• improve contour irregularities
• soften implant edges
• restore volume deficiencies
• improve tissue quality after radiation

Multiple sessions may occasionally be recommended depending on the desired outcome.

Nipple Reconstruction & Final Stages of Reconstruction

For patients undergoing mastectomy where the nipple cannot be preserved, nipple reconstruction may be considered as a later stage of reconstruction.

This may involve:

• surgical nipple reconstruction
• nipple-areola tattooing
• symmetry procedures where appropriate

These final stages can help complete the reconstructive process and further improve overall breast appearance.

Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Care

Modern breast reconstruction is closely integrated with multidisciplinary breast cancer treatment. Associate Professor Farid Meybodi works alongside:

• breast radiologists
• medical oncologists
• radiation oncologists
• pathologists
• breast physicians
• breast care nurses
• allied health professionals

This collaborative approach helps ensure reconstruction planning is coordinated carefully with cancer treatment and long-term survivorship care.

Supporting Patients Through Their Reconstruction Journey

Breast reconstruction is not simply about restoring breast shape, it is about supporting recovery, confidence, identity, and quality of life following breast cancer treatment.

A/Prof Farid Meybodi is committed to providing compassionate, personalised care using modern reconstructive and oncoplastic techniques tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. From diagnosis and surgical planning through to recovery and long-term follow-up, the focus remains on achieving safe, thoughtful, and patient-centred outcomes.