Table 2.

Types of breast reconstruction: Alloplastic versus autologous.

TYPEIDEAL CANDIDATEADVANTAGESDISADVANTAGESCOMPLICATIONS
Alloplastic (implant-based)

  • Average to thin body habitus (no excess tissue for autologous)

  • No donor site

  • Shorter surgery

  • Fewer short-term complications

  • Fewer scars

  • Faster recovery

  • Often multistage endeavour

  • Longer timeline to completion

  • Difficult to achieve symmetry in unilateral cases

  • Requires implant maintenance and exchange

  • Capsular contracture

  • Malposition

  • Rupture

  • Implant rippling or visibility

  • Less natural look and feel

Autologous (tissue-based)

  • Requires adequate excess soft tissue at donor site

  • Minimal major comorbidities

  • Not obese

  • Use of own tissue

  • Natural look and feel that changes with patient over time

  • Easier symmetry in unilateral cases

  • Large donor site

  • Longer, more technically challenging procedure

  • Longer recovery

  • More short-term complications

  • Partial or complete flap failure

  • Donor-site morbidity including wound dehiscence, weakness, hernia, or bulge