Though this procedure was recently out of the question after surgical procedures such as mastectomy, this type of cosmetic surgery is becoming more common. Though most health plans cover the cost for this operation in the US, some do not, considering it to be cosmetic; paying for this procedure oneself may be very costly. However, most plans do cover this procedure as the cost may outweigh the converse cost of counseling for the individual as they try to cope with the emotional adjustment of losing a breast.

For individuals who have undergone a mastectomy due to cancer, they are only eligible for this procedure if the disease was eliminated due to the breast removal. It is possible for this procedure to be carried out immediately following the mastectomy, so the individual awakes with the newly formed breast already in place. As with many other procedures, those with high blood pressure, obese individuals or those who smoke are poor candidates for this operation.

Breast reconstruction is a large undertaking. Most procedures take several operations. Sometimes these follow-up surgeries are spread out over weeks or months. If an implant is used, the individual runs the same risks and complications as those who use them for breast augmentation.

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