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Direct-to-Implant

An implant is placed at the same time as the mastectomy, so the breast mound is rebuilt in one operation rather than two. Depending on the plan, the implant may sit above or below the chest muscle. Above it, a supportive mesh or tissue matrix usually holds the implant in position and the muscle is left undisturbed; below it, the muscle covers the implant but has to be lifted to make room. This route needs enough healthy skin left after the mastectomy to cover an implant straight away. Further refinements are still common afterwards.

Sources: American Society of Plastic Surgeons; National Cancer Institute; American Cancer Society.