Breast Reconstruction Surgery in Mumbai
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Reclaim Your Body After Breast Cancer
A breast cancer diagnosis changes everything and for many women, the loss of a breast feels like the loss of identity, femininity, and self. Breast reconstruction is more than a surgery; it is a vital step in physical and emotional healing. At Dr. Rachana Tataria’s practice in Mumbai, breast reconstruction is approached with the precision of advanced microsurgery and the empathy of a surgeon who understands what every patient carries with her into the consultation room.
Dr. Rachana Tataria is a Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon at Fortis Hospital, Mulund. She holds an FRCS in Plastic Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons, England, along with specialised fellowships in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery (University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire NHS) and Breast Microvascular Reconstruction (Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester and Southmead Hospital, Bristol). Her UK NHS experience brings world-class reconstructive techniques and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols to patients in Mumbai.
What Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Breast reconstruction is a specialised plastic surgery procedure that restores the shape, size, and appearance of one or both breasts after mastectomy (removal of the breast due to cancer), lumpectomy with significant volume loss, congenital absence, or trauma. The goal is to rebuild a breast that looks and feels as natural as possible, restoring symmetry with the opposite breast and helping patients move forward with confidence after cancer treatment.
Modern breast reconstruction can be performed using the patient’s own tissue (autologous reconstruction), breast implants (implant-based reconstruction), or a combination of both (hybrid reconstruction). Surgery may be carried out at the same time as the mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or months to years later (delayed reconstruction). The right choice depends on body type, cancer treatment plan, radiotherapy needs, and personal preference all of which Dr. Rachana Tataria evaluates in a detailed pre-operative consultation.
Breast Reconstruction Procedures Offered in Mumbai
Dr. Rachana Tataria offers the full spectrum of modern breast reconstruction techniques, customised to each patient’s anatomy and goals:
DIEP Flap Reconstruction
Uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen without sacrificing muscle. Considered the gold standard for natural-tissue reconstruction.
TUG Flap Reconstruction
Uses tissue from the inner thigh; an excellent option for slim patients or those with limited abdominal tissue.
Latissimus Dorsi (LD) Flap Reconstruction
Uses muscle and skin from the upper back, often combined with an implant for additional volume.
Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
Uses silicone or saline implants, either in a single stage or with a tissue expander.
Nipple Reconstruction
The final step in many reconstructions, recreating a natural nipple and areola complex.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction can be life-changing, but candidacy depends on several medical and personal factors. You may be suitable for breast reconstruction if you:
Have undergone or are planning to undergo a mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer.
Carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation and are considering risk-reducing mastectomy.
Have congenital breast asymmetry, Poland syndrome, or have lost breast tissue due to trauma or burns.
Are in reasonable general health to undergo surgery and anaesthesia.
Are a non-smoker or willing to stop smoking before surgery to reduce flap and wound complications.
Have realistic expectations about scars, sensation, and the staged nature of reconstruction.
During your consultation, Dr. Rachana Tataria will review your oncology plan, imaging, and overall health to recommend the most appropriate technique and timing.
Why Choose Dr. Rachana Tataria for Breast Reconstruction in Mumbai
01
Internationally trained: FRCS (Plastic Surgery), Royal College of Surgeons, England – a credential rarely held by Mumbai-based plastic surgeons.
02
12+ years of operative experience spanning India and the UK, including consultant practice at Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS.
03
ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols imported from UK practice for faster, safer post-operative recovery.
04
Multilingual consultation in English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Kutchi, Kannada, and French.
05
Dual specialisation in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery and Breast Microvascular Reconstruction, completed at three leading UK NHS hospitals.
06
Female plastic surgeon many patients prefer a woman surgeon for the dignity, comfort, and intuitive understanding she brings to breast surgery.
07
Practising at Fortis Hospital, Mulund – a JCI-accredited tertiary care hospital with ICU, oncology, and microsurgery support.
08
Published research in autologous breast reconstruction and ERAS protocols (JPRAS, 2025).
The Recovery Journey
Shorter Recovery with Implant Reconstruction
Implant-based reconstruction usually involves a 2–3 day hospital stay with a quicker return to light activities.
Longer Healing for Flap-Based Procedures
DIEP and TUG reconstruction generally require a 4–6 day hospital stay with monitored flap observation.
Restricted Activity During Recovery
Patients undergoing flap-based reconstruction are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities for 4–6 weeks.
Advanced ERAS Recovery Protocol
Dr. Rachana Tataria follows an ERAS-based approach focused on early mobilisation, pain management, and structured physiotherapy.
Cost of Breast Reconstruction in Mumbai (Indicative)
The cost of breast reconstruction in Mumbai varies based on the technique selected, hospital stay, type of implant (if used), anaesthesia, and length of surgery. Indicative ranges at Fortis Hospital Mulund are:
- Implant-based reconstruction: ₹2.5 lakh - ₹4.5 lakh
- LD flap with or without implant: ₹3.5 lakh - ₹5.5 lakh
- DIEP / TUG flap microvascular reconstruction: ₹5 lakh - ₹8 lakh
- Nipple reconstruction (as a separate stage): ₹40,000 - ₹80,000
Most health insurance policies cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy as part of breast cancer treatment under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights provisions. The clinic team can help with insurance verification before surgery.
FAQs : Breast Reconstruction Surgery in Mumbai
Yes. Modern breast reconstruction is safe and is recommended by oncologists as part of comprehensive breast cancer care. It does not increase the risk of cancer recurrence or delay the detection of recurrence.
Yes. Immediate reconstruction performed in the same operation as mastectomy is often possible and offers psychological benefits because the patient never wakes up without a breast mound. Suitability is decided jointly with your breast cancer surgeon.
Neither is universally better. Implants are a shorter operation with quicker recovery but may need replacement over time. Flap reconstruction uses your own tissue, lasts a lifetime, and changes naturally with weight and age, but involves a longer surgery and recovery. Dr. Rachana Tataria will help you choose based on body type, oncology plan, and preference.
Implant-based reconstruction takes 2–3 hours. DIEP or TUG flap microsurgical reconstruction can take 6–10 hours due to the precision of microvascular tissue transfer.
Nipple sensation is usually reduced after mastectomy and reconstruction. Some return of sensation can occur over 12–24 months, particularly with nerve-preserving techniques and autologous reconstruction.
Most private health insurance policies cover breast reconstruction when performed as part of breast cancer treatment. Cosmetic-only reconstruction is usually not covered. Our team helps with pre-authorisation documentation.
Delayed reconstruction is typically performed 6–12 months after completing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, allowing tissues to recover. Dr. Rachana Tataria will time the procedure to your oncology pathway.
Get in Touch with Dr. Rachana Tataria
Whether you’re ready to take the next step or have questions about Breast Reconstruction Surgery, we are here to guide you.
Begin your journey toward transformation.