Breast Reconstruction
Your specialists for breast reconstruction
The loss of a breast due to cancer is a profound change for many women – both physically and emotionally. In addition to the oncological challenge, breast removal often leaves a feeling of physical incompleteness and can have a lasting impact on a woman’s body image and self-esteem. Breast reconstruction offers affected patients the opportunity to regain a sense of normality and feel more comfortable in their own bodies again.
At the clinic, we support you with empathy and medical expertise. Our goal is to restore a natural breast shape through individually tailored reconstructive procedures – for a result that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also suits your personality. We take the time to listen to your wishes, questions, and fears and provide you with comprehensive advice on all available options.
Advantages of breast reconstruction
Breast reconstruction restores shape, contour, and symmetry and can boost your self-esteem.
- Restoring body image
Many patients see the procedure as an important step toward feeling whole and feminine again. - Individually tailored methods
Depending on your initial situation, wishes, and medical history, different techniques are used—this allows us to tailor the procedure optimally to your anatomy and personal goals. - Natural results
Precise surgical techniques and modern materials make it possible to achieve a harmonious, natural-looking breast shape. - Integrated care from specialists
We ensure that your overall medical situation is taken into account holistically. - Costs covered by health insurance
In most cases, health insurance covers the costs of reconstructive breast surgery.
The most important information in brief
Type of treatment: Breast reconstruction with implants or autologous fat
Duration of treatment: 1–4.5 hours
Recovery time: 6–8 weeks
Result: Final result visible after approx. 6 months
Duration of effect: Permanent
Side effects: Swelling, fluid accumulation, infections
Costs: Covered by health insurance or from CHF 14,000
Methods of breast reconstruction
Breast reconstruction with implants
When reconstructing with implants, a distinction is made between the single-stage and two-stage methods. In single-stage reconstruction, a silicone implant is inserted after the breast has been removed – often combined with a tissue matrix that provides additional stability and shape support. The matrix is fixed below or above the chest muscle and protects the implant in the long term. In the two-stage procedure, an expander (balloon with a valve) is first inserted after removal of the breast, which is regularly filled with saline solution over several months (usually 3–6 months). The final silicone implant is then inserted, the condition of which can be easily checked later with the aid of an implant check.
Breast reconstruction with autologous tissue
In this procedure, tissue is taken from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or back, and used in microsurgery to form a new breast. This method is particularly natural in terms of feel and appearance. We will clarify which technique is suitable for you in a detailed consultation.
Breast reconstruction procedure in Zurich
Consultation
In a confidential consultation, we will work with you to determine which reconstruction method is best for you—depending on your medical history, body shape, your wishes, and the options available for your breast cancer treatment. We will take the time to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision.
Precautions
If you are taking blood-thinning medication, you should stop taking it for a few days after consulting your doctor. You should also refrain from consuming nicotine. Before the operation, you will receive detailed instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.
Treatment
The treatment is performed under general anesthesia and takes 1–4.5 hours. Depending on the method chosen, the surgery involves either inserting an implant or transplanting the patient’s own tissue. The incision is made according to the previously determined mastectomy plan. This depends on whether the nipple is also removed or can be preserved.
Aftercare
After the operation, you will stay at our center for a few nights for further care, depending on the method used. You should wear a supportive bra for the next few weeks. Depending on the surgical method, the initial results will be visible immediately or after a few weeks, with the final result visible after a few months. Most of our patients are able to return to work after about 4 weeks. You should avoid sports and physically strenuous activities for 6–8 weeks.
Costs of breast reconstruction in Zurich
Breast reconstruction is a reconstructive procedure, the costs of which are usually covered by health insurance. Additional surgeries to adjust or refine the results (lipofilling, symmetrizing procedures) may have to be paid for privately. We discuss all costs transparently before the procedure—individually, fairly, and comprehensively.
Frequently asked questions about breast reconstruction
Is breast reconstruction covered by health insurance?
Yes, health insurance companies usually cover the costs of reconstructive measures after breast cancer. Additional cosmetic treatments may be excluded.
Which method is best for me?
That depends on the shape of your breasts, your medical history (e.g., radiation therapy), your anatomy, and your wishes. We will advise you in detail on which option is best for you.
How long does it take to recover after the surgery?
You will usually be able to resume your normal social activities after 1–2 weeks. We recommend taking a break from physical activity for about 6–8 weeks.
Are there any risks?
As with any procedure, wound healing disorders, infections, or scarring may occur. With autologous tissue reconstruction, microcomplications such as fat tissue necrosis are possible. We will inform you openly and transparently before the procedure.
Is the result natural?
Yes – both implants and autologous tissue can produce a very harmonious, natural result. Autologous tissue in particular feels especially soft and breast-like.
