Established in 2009 at Musgrove Park Hospital, the reconstruction service provides patients with breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, when it is clinically appropriate. This includes implant only or latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstructions. We carry out immediate reconstructions following surgery but in some cases it is appropriate to delay reconstructions until after cancer treatment. We also carry out nipple reconstruction and tattooing.

We also offer oncoplastic surgery which includes therapeutic mammoplasty, which is when the breast cancer is removed and the remaining breast tissue is repositioned to allow a better cosmetic result. This depends on the position and size of the breast cancer, the size and shape of the natural breast and the patient’s general health.

Breast reconstruction using abdominal-based (tummy-based) free flaps is performed by plastic surgeons at Bristol’s Southmead Hospital.