Breast Reconstruction Surgery in Israel

Breast reconstruction surgery following a radical mastectomy or a lumpectomy (wide local excision) is designed to restore the shape and look of the breast.

There are two approaches to this type of surgery:

Delayed Breast Reconstruction Surgery

The first does not recommend immediate reconstruction following a mastectomy, as subsequent radiation therapy (if indicated) might adversly affect the implant. Under this approach, reconstructive surgery takes place about 8 weeks following the completion of radiotherapy (roughly 3 to 4 months following the mastectomy). This also allows the plastic surgeon time to plan the procedure ahead, thus avoiding any complications related to the original procedure.

There are several treatment possibilities when the breast reconstructive surgery is delayed:

Two-stage operation – expander implantation and correction of breast asymmetry

Price of treatment includes:

• Routine preoperative preparation (including an ECG, chest X-ray, blood work-up and an anesthesiologist consultation)
• 2 surgeries, with 1 day of hospitalization following each
• Disposable surgical materials

One-stage surgery – latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction with expander implantation

Price of treatment includes:

• Routine preoperative preparation (including an ECG, chest X-ray, blood work-up and an anesthesiologist consultation)
• 1 surgery and 2 days of hospitalization
• Disposable surgical materials

One-stage free flap breast reconstruction (skin and fat tissue from abdomen)

Price of treatment includes:

• Routine preoperative preparation (including an ECG, chest X-ray, blood work-up and an anesthesiologist consultation)
• Surgery and 3 days of hospitalization
• Disposable surgical materials

Preoperative investigations:

• 3D Mammography, US scan & breast radiologist consultation
• Blood panel (incl. tumour markers)
• Breast oncologist consultation
• Plastic surgeon consultation

You will need to remain in Israel for approximately 5 to 7 days following your discharge.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction Surgery

The other approach involves breast reconstruction surgery immediately post mastectomy/lumpectomy.

Advantages:

• Only 1 surgery and a single induction of anesthesia
• Very high degree of symmetry
• Latest-generation of implants from US and Brazil do not change their shape during XRT

The most common method of immediate reconstruction is latissimus dorsi flap with expander. A plastic surgeon consultation will take place prior to the procedures.

Price of treatment includes:

• Surgery and 2 days of hospitalization
• Disposable surgical materials and equipment

Immediate breast reconstruction takes place at the state-of-the-art Assuta Hospital.

Delayed reconstructions are performed at either Assuta or MC Ramat-Aviv.