Deciding whether to have a breast reconstruction using implants

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Benefits of having a breast reconstruction using implants include:

less time in surgery
shorter recovery time after surgery
surgery does not use tissue from other parts of the body
no scars on other areas of the body
may avoid lifestyle limitations (such as heavy lifting or playing tennis) that can happen as a result of muscle weakness after tissue flap breast reconstructions.

Disadvantages of having breast reconstruction using implants include:

the rebuilt breast(s) are unlikely to look, feel and move like natural breasts
the rebuilt breast(s) will be firmer and not fall (droop) as naturally as the breasts did previously
some women do not like the idea of having a foreign material (breast implants) inside their body
long-term complications are more likely with implants, compared with tissue flap reconstructions. The complication of capsular contracture can be painful and restrict movement or limit activity.
Over time, replacement of breast implants may be necessary.

If you decide to have a breast reconstruction using implants, you have the option of a tissue flap reconstruction at a later stage.