Find a surgeon for breast reconstruction

Breast surgeons or plastic surgeons can perform breast reconstruction surgery. For your surgery, the choice depends on: 

• the surgeon's training 
• how complex the surgery is. 

Breast surgeons often have specialist plastic surgeons they work with frequently.

There are several ways to find a surgeon for breast reconstruction.

• Ask your GP to refer to you a breast surgeon who offers reconstructive surgery.
• Ask your breast surgeon if they do reconstructive surgery or can recommend a plastic surgeon.
• Use the ‘Find a surgeon’ tool on the BreastSurgANZ website. Members of BreastSurgANZ sometimes offer reconstructive options or can recommend a plastic surgeon.
• Find plastic surgeons who specialise in breast reconstructive surgery from the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
• Ask people with personal experience in the private community group Choosing breast reconstruction.

It’s important you find someone with the experience you need. They should make you feel comfortable asking questions about the surgery and your care. This will enable you to make decisions with confidence.

Not sure what you need to ask? Our list of common questions for surgeons can help.

The difference between breast surgeons and plastic surgeons

All breast surgeons can perform surgery on people with early breast cancer and other breast problems.

Many are also trained in procedures as part of breast cancer management, such as:

• breast reconstruction
• breast reduction
• breast lift.

A surgeon with these skills is sometimes referred to as ‘Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon’.

Usually, breast surgeons manage the patient in a team of specialists that may include nurses, medical and radiation oncologists, and physiotherapists. Breast surgeons may also work with plastic surgeons.

Plastic surgeons may choose to specialise in breast surgery. This can include breast reconstruction after mastectomy as well as breast reduction, uplift or augmentation.