Breast surgery

QVH is the major regional centre for complex, microvascular breast reconstruction following, or simultaneously with, resection for cancer.

Our integrated team of consultants and specialist breast reconstruction nurses provide a wide range of reconstructive options, and support to guide the patient through their reconstructive trajectory.

Our Macmillan Breast Reconstruction Nurse Specialists, Pam Golton, Rebecca Spencer and Elsa Powell act as a point of contact for patients, relatives, carers and other healthcare professionals. They provide information and practical and emotional support to patients undergoing breast reconstruction and related breast care.

Information on breast reconstruction

Your guide to breast reconstruction – video playlist:

If you’re thinking about having breast reconstruction surgery, this playlist is for you. Split into a series of short clips, four of our plastic surgeons describe the range of options available to you, the risks and what to expect during recovery. In addition four women explain which procedure they chose and show how it worked for them.

If the video is not displaying above you can watch it on YouTube. To obtain a copy of this playlist as a DVD, please email qvh.breastcare@nhs.net

Additional videos are accessible on our YouTube channel including:

Breast reconstruction photographs

Recent survey results

Clinical effectiveness

The gold standard for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is a ‘free flap’ reconstruction using microvascular techniques to take tissue, usually from the abdomen, and use it to form a new breast.

This technique has greater patient satisfaction and longevity but carries greater risks of failure than an implant or pedicled flap reconstruction, so it is important we monitor our success.

Page last updated: 29 December 2023.

Our breast reconstruction nurse specialists

Breast reconstruction information videos

Our specialists have created a YouTube playlist of short films designed for women considering breast reconstruction surgery to help their decision making. It also includes personal stories from some of our patients, sharing their own experiences.

Breast reconstruction photos

Warning: the links below show photographic results of surgery including wounds.

Patient information leaflets

Breast reduction seminars

Find out more about the online seminars we run to help educate and inform you about breast reduction surgery and the pathway.

Breast Reconstruction Show & Tell information events

Our team provide information and support to ladies considering or going through breast reconstruction due to breast cancer or with a genetic mutation diagnosis. We run regular ‘Show & Tell’ events where you can meet women who have already had reconstructive surgery, see their results and ask questions about their operations. These are very informal events, providing an opportunity, in a relaxed environment, to discuss any aspect of breast reconstruction.