Harley Street Breast Clinic

Pending consultant review (staging)

Breast Reconstruction in London

Breast reconstruction restores breast form following mastectomy or lumpectomy. Mr Debashis Ghosh performs immediate and delayed reconstruction using implants, your own tissue (autologous), or a combination. As an oncoplastic surgeon, he plans reconstruction at the point of cancer surgery to give patients the best long-term outcome.

Quoted after consultation

Fees depend on the reconstructive technique and are quoted after consultation. Reconstruction after cancer surgery is usually covered by insurers.

Pricing shown as a guide. Final fees confirmed after consultation. See fees & payment.

What is breast reconstruction?

Definition
Breast reconstruction is surgery to rebuild the shape of a breast after it has been removed or altered by cancer treatment. It can use an implant, your own tissue moved from elsewhere on the body, or a combination. The aim is to restore a natural breast form and help you feel whole again.

Reconstruction options

  • Implant-based reconstruction — subpectoral, prepectoral or ADM-assisted
  • LD flap (latissimus dorsi) using muscle and skin from the back
  • DIEP flap (perforator flap) — referred to plastic surgery partners where appropriate
  • Fat grafting / lipomodelling to refine shape and contour
  • Nipple-areolar reconstruction to complete the result

Timing: immediate or delayed

Immediate reconstruction is performed at the time of mastectomy, so you wake with a breast shape already in place. Delayed reconstruction is carried out months or years later — sometimes preferred when radiotherapy is planned. Mr Ghosh will explain which is right for your situation.

  1. Consultation and discussion of options

  2. Planning alongside your cancer treatment

  3. Reconstructive surgery (immediate or delayed)

  4. Refinement — fat grafting and nipple reconstruction

  5. Long-term follow-up

Recovery

Implant reconstruction typically involves a hospital stay of one to two nights and several weeks before returning to full activity. Flap reconstruction is a larger operation with a longer recovery. You will receive a detailed, written recovery plan and ongoing specialist support.

Risks and considerations

Risks include infection, bleeding, changes in sensation, asymmetry and, with implants, the possibility of revision surgery over time. Flap procedures carry a risk of partial or complete flap loss. Mr Ghosh discusses these in full so your decision is informed.

Your consultant

Every step of your care is led by a consultant breast and oncoplastic surgeon.

Mr Debashis Ghosh, Consultant Breast & Oncoplastic Surgeon

Mr Debashis Ghosh

Consultant Breast & Oncoplastic Surgeon

  • Divisional Director, The London Clinic
  • Co-Chair MDT, Harley Street Clinic
  • Former Clinical Director, Breast Services NHS England (NCL Cancer Alliance)

MS · FRCS (Edin) · FRCS (Intercollegiate) · FEBS (Breast) · FEBS (Surgical Oncology)

GMC No. 4657664 — verified on the GMC register. Read full profile.

Frequently asked questions

When can reconstruction happen?

Reconstruction can be immediate (at the same time as mastectomy) or delayed (months or years later). Both have advantages, which Mr Ghosh will explore with you based on your treatment and preferences.

Implants or my own tissue?

Both are options. Implant-based reconstruction is simpler with a shorter recovery. Autologous (your own tissue) reconstruction can give a more natural feel and lasts a lifetime. The right choice depends on your body, treatment and goals.

Will I need radiotherapy, and does it affect reconstruction?

Radiotherapy can affect the timing and type of reconstruction. Where radiotherapy is planned, Mr Ghosh may recommend a staged approach. This is discussed fully before any decision.

What is a DIEP flap?

A DIEP flap uses skin and fat from the lower tummy to rebuild the breast, without taking muscle. Complex flap reconstruction is carried out with specialist plastic surgery partners where appropriate.

Can the nipple be reconstructed?

Yes. Nipple-areolar reconstruction, including 3D tattooing, can be performed once the reconstructed breast has settled.

Is reconstruction covered by insurance?

Reconstruction after cancer surgery is generally covered by insurers. We will help you confirm your cover.

What our patients say

Verified reviews via Doctify.

“From the first consultation Mr Ghosh explained every step clearly and never rushed a single question. I felt genuinely cared for.”
— Verified patient, Doctify · view on Doctify
“A calm, expert team. The one-stop pathway meant I had answers the same day instead of weeks of worry.”
— Verified patient, Doctify · view on Doctify
“Outstanding clinical care combined with real compassion. I would not hesitate to recommend the clinic.”
— Verified patient, Doctify · view on Doctify

Related care pathways

Sources

  1. NICE NG101 — Early and locally advanced breast cancer
  2. Association of Breast Surgery — oncoplastic guidelines

Speak to a consultant breast surgeon

Book an appointment with Mr Debashis Ghosh, or call our team to discuss your concern in confidence.