Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Autologous reconstruction rebuilds the breast using your own tissue, most often skin and fat taken from the lower abdomen and transferred to the chest. Modern techniques such as a DIEP flap transfer this tissue while sparing the abdominal muscle, reconnecting tiny blood vessels under the microscope.

Because the breast is rebuilt from living tissue, it tends to look and feel natural, settles like natural breast tissue, and ages with you. The trade-off is a longer operation and recovery and a scar at the donor site. This microsurgical work draws directly on Dr. Amoroso's reconstructive background.

What it can improve

• A natural-looking and natural-feeling breast shape
• A durable reconstruction that ages with you
• Reconstruction where implant surgery is less reliable, such as after radiotherapy
• Body contour at the donor site in some cases

It does not restore normal breast sensation, does not recreate a natural nipple in itself, and creates a donor-site scar. It is a larger operation than implant reconstruction.

Quick facts

• Procedure time: 4–8 hours for microsurgical flaps
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia
• Clinic stay: Several days in hospital
• Recovery: Around 6 weeks before normal activity
• Exercise: Strenuous activity from about 8 weeks
• Final result: Settles over 6–12 months as tissue softens

Before the procedure

You will receive individualized instructions and your reconstruction is planned in coordination with your breast and oncology teams. The flap type, donor site, timing, and realistic outcomes are discussed in detail, including recovery from a larger operation.

During the procedure

Tissue is carefully raised from the donor site with its blood vessels, transferred to the chest, and shaped into a breast. For free flaps, the tiny blood vessels are reconnected under the microscope to restore blood supply.

After the procedure

The flap is monitored closely in the first days to ensure a healthy blood supply. Recovery is longer than with implants, involving both the chest and donor site. Activity is reintroduced gradually as healing allows.

Results: what it can and cannot achieve

A natural-looking, natural-feeling, and durable breast reconstruction is achievable. It cannot restore normal sensation and involves a donor-site scar and a longer recovery. A balancing procedure and later nipple reconstruction are often part of the complete plan.

Possible risks and complications

Microsurgical reconstruction is highly refined but is major surgery and carries risks. Possible risks include:

• Partial or, rarely, total flap loss if blood supply is compromised
• Infection, bleeding, or delayed wound healing
• Donor-site complications such as bulging or weakness
• Fat necrosis (firm areas within the flap)
• Asymmetry or the need for refinement
• Reduced or altered skin sensation

Smoking and impaired circulation raise the risk of healing problems, wound complications, and tissue loss, so honest assessment and smoking cessation are especially important in reconstructive surgery.

Autologous reconstruction may suit patients who want a natural, lasting reconstruction using their own tissue. It is especially suitable for those who:

• Want a natural look and feel that ages with them
• Have had or will have radiotherapy
• Have suitable donor tissue and general health for a longer operation
• Accept a donor-site scar and longer recovery
• Do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery

It may not suit patients who prefer a shorter recovery, who have insufficient donor tissue, or whose health makes a long operation unsuitable. Your surgeon advises the most suitable option.

Reconstructive surgery by Dr. Matteo Amoroso

Reconstructive surgery at Skulpturkliniken is performed by Dr. Matteo Amoroso, a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon with expertise in microsurgery and super-microsurgery, a particular skill for autologous breast reconstruction.

Precision throughout the care pathway

Dr. Amoroso coordinates carefully with your oncology team to ensure reconstruction happens at the right point relative to your broader cancer treatment.

Reconstructive precision meets aesthetic judgment

From the first consultation, Dr. Amoroso helps you understand which approach suits your situation, what is realistic, and how reconstruction fits into your broader care.

Individualized assessment

Every procedure begins with a detailed assessment. We evaluate:

• Your anatomy and available donor areas
• Any radiation history and skin quality
• Timing relative to oncological treatment
• General health and healing factors
• Your goals and realistic expectations

Safety, precision, and long-term care

Safety is central to every step of the surgical journey. Your treatment includes:

1. ✓ Specialist consultation with Dr. Matteo Amoroso
2. ✓ Detailed assessment and individualized surgical planning
3. ✓ Coordination with your oncology team
4. ✓ Preoperative preparation guidance
5. ✓ Surgery in a safe and controlled surgical environment
6. ✓ Careful postoperative monitoring of flap blood supply
7. ✓ Direct access to the surgeon and nursing team
8. ✓ Digital medical records through Adoreal®
9. ✓ Patient insurance through Folksam
10. ✓ Long-term postoperative support