Dr Axel De LangePlastic Surgeon
A consultation room at the clinic, with a treatment chair beside a curtained window

Breast Reconstruction

Breast Reconstruction in Brussels · Dr Axel De Lange

Beyond the reconstruction of the breast, personalised support to regain confidence, femininity and well-being.

Breast reconstruction involves recreating the volume, shape and contour of a breast after a mastectomy or breast surgery that has caused significant deformity, particularly in the context of breast cancer treatment.

Various techniques may be offered: reconstruction with breast implants, with autologous tissue (DIEP flap, latissimus dorsi flap or other microsurgical techniques), with lipofilling or with a combination of several methods.

The surgical approach is tailored to each patient's anatomy, the quality of her skin, the oncological treatments she has received, particularly radiotherapy, and her wishes for reconstruction. Symmetrisation of the opposite breast and reconstruction of the areola and nipple may also be considered.

The goalTo reconstruct a breast that is as natural and harmonious as possible, while respecting the medical constraints and the expectations of each patient.

Breast reconstruction is intended for women who have undergone a total or partial mastectomy, or who have a significant breast deformity following surgical treatment, particularly for breast cancer.

It can be performed immediately at the time of the mastectomy or as a secondary procedure, several months or years after the initial treatment.

The ideal patient is a woman whose state of health and oncological pathway allow reconstruction, and who wishes to regain breast volume, better symmetry and bodily harmony. Reconstruction remains a personal choice and is never an obligation.

Medically reviewed by Dr Axel De Lange · Last reviewed

Your journey,
step by step.

The techniques

Implant reconstruction

Placement of a breast implant, either directly or after a phase of tissue expansion.

The techniques

Autologous tissue reconstruction

Use of the patient's own tissue, notably with a DIEP flap (abdomen) or a latissimus dorsi flap (back), with or without an additional implant.

The techniques

Lipofilling reconstruction

Transfer of fat taken from another area of the body, used to improve contours, correct irregularities or, in certain selected cases, gradually rebuild breast volume.

The techniques

Hybrid reconstruction

A combination of an implant and autologous tissue or lipofilling to optimise volume and contour.

The techniques

Complementary procedures

Symmetrisation of the opposite breast by augmentation, reduction or breast lift, as well as reconstruction of the nipple and areola.

Step 01

First consultation

At the first consultation, the surgeon takes the time to understand the patient's medical history, her expectations and her wishes regarding the reconstruction of her breast.

A clinical examination makes it possible to assess the quality of the tissues, the possible presence of scars, the consequences of previous treatments and the options for reconstruction. The different techniques are presented, with their advantages, their limitations and their risks.

To develop a personalised reconstruction plan, adapted to the medical situation, body shape and expectations of each patient.

Step 02

2nd consultation

The second consultation serves to confirm the reconstruction plan and to specify the chosen surgical technique, whether reconstruction with implants, with autologous tissue or a combined approach.

It is an opportunity to answer any final questions and to explain the possible different stages of the reconstruction, the scars, the risks and the post-operative recovery. The pre-operative tests and the practical arrangements for the procedure are also discussed.

To enable the patient to approach her reconstruction calmly, with a clear understanding of the surgical pathway and the results that can be expected.

Step 03

The procedure

Anaesthesia: the procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia.

Duration of the procedure: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours for implant reconstruction, and 4 to 8 hours, sometimes longer, for reconstruction with a free flap such as a DIEP flap.

Surgical setting: the procedure is performed in the operating theatre, in a specialised hospital environment, with a team suited to the reconstructive technique.

Hospital stay: usually 1 to 3 days for implant reconstruction and 4 to 7 days for free flap reconstruction, depending on protocols and progress.

Return home: with personalised post-operative recommendations and regular surgical follow-up.

Step 04 · Follow-up

First days

Monitoring of the scars, checking for the absence of complications and, in the case of a flap, its good blood supply.

Step 04 · Follow-up

After 2 to 3 weeks

Check of healing, the resolution of oedema and recovery.

Step 04 · Follow-up

After 3 months

Assessment of the softening of the tissues, breast volume and symmetry.

Step 04 · Follow-up

After 6 to 12 months

Assessment of the stabilised result and discussion of any touch-ups, symmetrisation or nipple-areola reconstruction.

Common question

Can the reconstruction take place at the same time as the mastectomy?

Yes, breast reconstruction can be performed immediately, during the same operation as the mastectomy, when the oncological situation and the medical conditions allow it.

This approach makes it possible to preserve the skin envelope of the breast as well as possible and spares the patient a period without breast volume. However, delayed reconstruction may be preferable in certain situations, particularly when additional treatments, such as radiotherapy, are planned.

To choose the most appropriate time to reconstruct the breast, balancing oncological safety, the aesthetic result and the wishes of each patient.

Common question

How many operations does it usually involve?

Breast reconstruction may require one or more surgical procedures, depending on the technique used, the quality of the tissues and the desired result.

Reconstruction with a definitive implant or an autologous flap can sometimes be completed in a single main procedure. Other approaches require several stages, particularly when a tissue expander is used before a definitive implant is placed.

Additional procedures may then be offered to improve symmetry, refine the contour with lipofilling or reconstruct the nipple and areola.

To keep the number of procedures as low as possible while prioritising the safety, quality and harmony of the final result.

Common question

Is nipple reconstruction included?

Yes, reconstruction of the nipple and areola is generally an integral part of the breast reconstruction pathway, but it is often a complementary stage, carried out once the volume and shape of the reconstructed breast have stabilised.

It can be performed using small local surgical techniques, possibly combined with a graft, or by three-dimensional medical micropigmentation, which recreates the natural appearance of the areola and nipple.

To complete the breast reconstruction by giving the breast an appearance that is as natural, harmonious and complete as possible.

Common question

Is this procedure usually covered?

Yes, in Belgium, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy for breast cancer is generally covered by the national health insurance (INAMI), provided the applicable medical and administrative conditions are met.

This cover may include reconstruction of breast volume with implants or autologous tissue, certain procedures to symmetrise the opposite breast, as well as reconstruction of the nipple and areola. However, additional costs may remain payable by the patient, depending in particular on the technique used and hospital supplements.

To enable each patient to benefit from a reconstruction suited to her situation, with transparent information on the reimbursement conditions and any personal costs.

Consultation locations

Consultations are booked directly through each clinic's own platform. Appointments are not taken by phone.

See the locations

Other breast procedures

View all
01Breast AugmentationEnhancing the breasts and harmonising the figure, while preserving a natural look.Explore02Breast ReductionReducing the volume and weight of the breasts for greater comfort and better proportions.Explore03Breast LiftRestoring firmness, shape and youthfulness to the breasts while preserving their natural look.Explore04Gynaecomastia SurgeryA flat, masculine and harmoniously defined chest once again, so you can feel at ease in your body again.Explore05Implant RevisionPreserving the beauty and harmony of your breasts by adapting your implants to the changes in your body and your wishes.Explore