The Breast Reconstruction Journey: Dr. Rosaline Reynolds Provides Options and Answers
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A breast cancer diagnosis changes everything in an instant. Your calendar fills with appointments, unfamiliar medical terms start flying around, and decisions about your body feel heavier than they ever have before. If a mastectomy or partial mastectomy (lumpectomy) is part of your treatment plan, you’re probably wondering what comes next—for your body, your confidence, and your sense of self.
You’re not alone in asking these questions. And real answers are waiting for you.
Call to Make an Appointment with Dr. Rosaline Reynolds:
608-643-4140
“We understand that this can be a difficult and confusing time,” Dr. Reynolds says, “and we’re here to help you feel informed and supported every step of the way.”
An initial consultation near the beginning of your breast cancer journey is vital to determine the best treatment plan for you. Dr. Reynolds works closely with each patient’s breast surgery and oncology team to find the best timing.
“Even if you feel like breast reconstruction may not align with your goals, our priority is that you are empowered with all the information and resources you need to make the best decision for you,” Dr. Reynolds emphasizes.
This article covers the most common questions patients ask about breast reconstruction, so you can feel confident about your next steps.
Breast Reconstruction by the Numbers
If you’re considering breast reconstruction, it helps to know that you’re far from alone—and the field is well-established. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), more than 100,000 breast reconstruction procedures are performed each year in the United States. Research published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the ASPS’s official journal, found that about one in three women (32.7%) who undergo full mastectomy choose breast reconstruction. That number has held steady in recent years, showing that reconstruction is a well-accepted, routine part of breast cancer care. Reconstruction known as oncoplastic reduction is also becoming increasingly common after a lumpectomy.
The benefits go beyond appearance. Studies consistently show that breast reconstruction is linked to improved body image, better psychosocial well-being, and higher overall satisfaction compared to mastectomy alone. Research using the BREAST-Q—a validated questionnaire designed specifically for breast surgery patients—has found that women who choose reconstruction report significantly greater satisfaction with their breasts and stronger emotional well-being, both at one year and five years after surgery.
Access to reconstruction has improved over time and is mandated by law to be covered by insurance. Bottom line: if you’re thinking about reconstruction, you’re considering something that tens of thousands of women choose every year—and the research supports its benefits.
What Are the Main Breast Reconstruction Options After a Mastectomy?
Breast reconstruction has come a long way, and today’s patients have more options than ever. Dr. Reynolds understands every patient is on a unique journey and prioritizes partnering with the patient to determine the best treatment plan that aligns with her goals.
For some patients, they may desire to have a smooth chest contour but not reconstruction. Dr. Reynolds can offer options such as fat grafting and mastectomy flap revision to achieve this goal.
With regards to reconstruction, the most common method (85% of breast reconstructions in the U.S.) is implant-based reconstruction. This method uses silicone implants and often involves less surgery time and a shorter recovery.
The second most common option (15%) is autologous (or flap) reconstruction. This approach uses your own tissue—often taken from the abdomen—to rebuild the breast. Because it uses your body’s own tissue, the results can feel very natural over time. The tradeoff is that the surgery itself is a much longer surgery, hospital stay, and recovery.
Which option is best depends on your body type, lifestyle, health history, and personal goals. Dr. Reynolds goes through all of this during a private consultation so you can make a decision that actually fits your life.
How Does Implant Reconstruction Work? A Step-by-Step Look
At Sauk Prairie Healthcare, we are proud to offer implant-based reconstruction. This process typically happens in two stages. Knowing what to expect ahead of time takes a lot of the anxiety out of it.
Stage 1: The Tissue Expander. During the first surgery, a temporary tissue expander is placed under the skin or chest muscle. Think of it as a small, adjustable balloon. Over the following weeks, your surgical team will gradually fill the expander with saline at clinic appointments. This gently stretches the skin and tissue to prepare for the permanent implant.
Stage 2: The Permanent Implant. Once the skin has been stretched to the right size, the expander is removed in a second surgery and replaced with a silicone implant. This is the step where the final shape and size come together.
Throughout both stages, Dr. Reynolds and her team are there for every office visit, every fill appointment, and every question in between. “We are here for you every step of the way,” she tells patients.
Can I Have Reconstruction After a Lumpectomy?
A lot of patients don’t realize that breast reconstruction isn’t only for women who’ve had a full mastectomy. If you’ve had a lumpectomy—particularly in a larger breast—reconstruction may still be an option.
This is called oncoplastic reduction. After the tumor is removed during a lumpectomy, plastic surgery techniques are used to reshape the remaining breast tissue. The goal is to avoid a noticeable dent or change in the breast’s shape. When the procedure involves a larger breast, the opposite breast can also be adjusted to create a balanced, symmetrical look.
Dr. Reynolds works directly with the breast surgeon and radiation oncologist to plan the best timing for oncoplastic reduction. If this sounds like it might apply to your situation, it’s worth bringing up at your next appointment.
Will My Insurance Cover Breast Reconstruction?
This is one of the biggest concerns patients have, and the answer is reassuring.
Thanks to the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) of 1998, most group health insurance plans that cover mastectomies are also required to cover breast reconstruction for women with breast cancer.
Specifically, insurance coverage under this law extends to:
- Reconstruction of the breast that was removed (including oncoplastic reduction)
- Surgery on the opposite breast to achieve symmetry
- External breast prostheses needed before or during reconstruction
- Treatment of physical complications related to the mastectomy, including lymphedema
This federal protection means breast reconstruction is not considered cosmetic. It’s your right. Sauk Prairie Healthcare works with many major insurance carriers to help make sure you get the coverage you deserve, so the financial side of things doesn’t stand in the way of your care.
When Can I Start Breast Reconstruction?
One of the first things patients want to know is timing. The good news: there’s flexibility built into the process.
Dr. Reynolds explains that there are generally two paths. Immediate reconstruction happens at the same time as your mastectomy. Delayed reconstruction gives you time to focus on recovery and any additional treatments—like chemotherapy—before starting the rebuilding process. It also has the benefit of letting your breast skin recover after the mastectomy which can improve wound healing and decrease risk of infection with reconstruction.
Neither option is better or worse. The right choice depends on your treatment plan, your health, and what feels right to you.
A team approach is one of the things that sets Sauk Prairie Healthcare apart. Instead of trying to figure things out on your own, you have a group of specialists coordinating every step on your behalf.
How Long Does the Entire Process Take?
Breast reconstruction is best thought of as a process, not a single event. The timeline depends on the technique your surgeon recommends, how your body heals, and whether additional treatments like radiation are part of your plan.
In most cases, reconstruction involves multiple stages spread out over several months. The time between procedures is intentional—it lets your body heal properly and helps your surgical team get the best possible result.
Additional steps like nipple reconstruction or minor revisions may come later. Patience is part of the plan, and Dr. Reynolds walks with her patients from the first consultation all the way through to completion.
You Deserve to Feel Whole Again
If you’re facing breast cancer treatment, know this: you have options, you have rights, and you have a team ready to support you. Breast reconstruction is a deeply personal decision. There’s no timeline pressure, no one-size-fits-all answer, and no wrong choice.
Dr. Rosaline Reynolds and the team at Sauk Prairie Healthcare are here to listen, answer your questions, and help you take the next step whenever you’re ready.
To schedule a breast reconstruction consultation with Dr. Reynolds, call 608-643-4140. Your journey toward healing can start with a single conversation.
Call to Make an Appointment with Dr. Rosaline Reynolds:
608-643-4140
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References:
American Cancer Society. “Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act.” Updated January 9, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/financial-insurance-matters/health-insurance-laws/womens-health-and-cancer-rights-act.html
U.S. Department of Labor. “Women’s Health and Cancer Rights.” https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/womens
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “Plastic Surgery Statistics.” https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/plastic-surgery-statistics
Rubenstein RN, Nelson JA, et al. “Disparity Reduction in U.S. Breast Reconstruction: An Analysis from 2005 to 2017 Using 3 Nationwide Data Sets.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2024;154(6):1065e-1075e
Frontiers in Oncology. “Long-Term Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life Following Breast Reconstruction Using the BREAST-Q.” 2022