Reconstructive Surgery

Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Rebuilding the breast using your own tissue for a natural, lasting result, often with microsurgery.

What it is

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.

Why Skulpturkliniken

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

Trust The Adoreal Experience

The Adoreal platform gives you complete control of your aesthetic journey. You will be guided throughout your entire process, from consultation to recovery, ensuring an exceptional experience for each of our patients.

The Adoreal app on a phone showing your care journey

You are in Control

Complete access to your information, health records and previous journeys.

The Adoreal app – feature view

Unmatched Predictability

Manage your expectations with our questionnare Silhouette, and visualise your ideal outcomes with 3D simulation.

Trusted step-by-step guide

From bookings to payments, logistics and after care, Adoreal will be your companion.

The Adoreal app – feature view

Enhanced Safety Measures

Complimentary health check, conscious monitoring, and meticulous preparation.

In their words

Patients trust Skulpturkliniken for care.

Our patient trust is our greater achievement.

Jun 17, 2026

The best surgeon

I had a circumferential abdominoplasty with Matteo Amoroso, and I can honestly say I couldn't have wished for a better surgeon. From the moment I met Matteo, I felt the sense of security I was looking for. He was kind, attentive, and professional from the very beginning. He took the time to explain everything in detail and answered all my questions, which made me feel well-informed before the surgery. I never had to go home and wonder about anything because he was so thorough in his explanations. It's now been three weeks since my surgery, and even though the healing process is still ongoing, I'm already incredibly happy with the result. The change is greater than I had dared to hope for, and I feel so grateful that I chose Matteo. I have more surgeries I want to undergo in the future, and there's no doubt that Matteo will be my first choice then too. I warmly recommend him to anyone considering plastic surgery!

May 18, 2026

A pro

I've had two surgeries with Matteo. The first was liposuction on my stomach, and most recently, my eyes – specifically, my lower eyelids and eyebrows. Matteo suggested a unique technique for my eyebrows that no other surgeon had proposed. This allowed me to remove excess skin under my eyebrows without needing an eyebrow or forehead lift, which I wasn't interested in. I'm extremely happy with the results of both my procedures. Matteo is a true professional; he loves his work, and you're always met with kindness and genuine care. He's an excellent communicator, explaining everything clearly and answering all questions and concerns. You feel completely confident in his knowledge and experience. Matteo also has a wonderful ability to make you feel understood; he listens carefully and is just as dedicated and invested as you are in achieving a successful procedure and outcome. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Matteo. I've had surgery 6 times in total, with the last two being with him. Whatever my next procedure may be, I will undoubtedly choose Matteo first again.

May 10, 2026

The best surgeon

Matteo is an incredibly skilled surgeon whom I highly recommend. I underwent a major tummy tuck, and from the very first consultation, Matteo was professional, calm, and very accessible. He took the time to answer all my questions and made me feel secure, involved, and well-informed throughout the entire process. He thoroughly explained the procedure, recovery, and what results I could expect, which gave me great confidence going into the surgery. Everything went very well without any complications, and I am very happy with the result. I would undoubtedly choose Matteo again if I were to have more procedures in the future.

Apr 6, 2026

The best choice for a plastic surgeon!

Dr. Amoroso has performed several operations on me, including a neck and facelift with fat grafting, a lip lift, eyelid surgery, breast and tummy tucks, and liposuction on my knees. All operations have been successful and exceeded my expectations. I have worked with doctors for 50 years and am very impressed by Dr. Amoroso's artistry and skill. He is truly an asset to this profession and to patients who desire excellent results and the peace of mind that comes from being cared for in a responsible and professional manner.

Mar 13, 2026

Successful 360 lipo

Matteo is the best surgeon I could ever imagine. I am beyond satisfied. Both the care I received and the results of the 360 liposuction Matteo performed on me have been absolutely fantastic. It couldn't have been better! Everything has exceeded my expectations. Matteo is professional, skilled, competent, caring, reassuring, and experienced. Thank you, Matteo!

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Resources

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