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By Mayo Clinic staffBreast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that restores shape to your breast after mastectomy — surgery that removes your breast to treat or prevent breast cancer. This type of breast reconstruction involves taking a section of tissue from one area of your body and relocating it to your chest to create a new breast mound. Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is a complex procedure performed by a plastic surgeon. Often breast reconstruction using your body's own tissue can be accomplished at the time of your mastectomy. In most cases, you'll need a second operation to achieve a correctly positioned, natural-appearing breast or to perform nipple reconstruction.
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