Reconstructive
Autologous breast reconstruction
Rebuilding the breast using your own tissue for a natural, lasting result, often with microsurgery.
Quick Facts
- Procedure time: 4–8 hours for microsurgical flaps
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia
- Clinic stay: Several days in hospital
- Recovery: Around 6 weeks before normal activity
- Exercise: Strenuous activity from about 8 weeks
- Final result: Settles over 6–12 months as tissue softens
What it is
Autologous reconstruction rebuilds the breast using your own tissue, most often skin and fat taken from the lower abdomen and transferred to the chest. Modern techniques such as a DIEP flap transfer this tissue while sparing the abdominal muscle, reconnecting tiny blood vessels under the microscope.
Because the breast is rebuilt from living tissue, it tends to look and feel natural, settles like natural breast tissue, and ages with you. The trade-off is a longer operation and recovery and a scar at the donor site. This microsurgical work draws directly on Dr. Amoroso's reconstructive background.
What it can improve
- A natural-looking and natural-feeling breast shape
- A durable reconstruction that ages with you
- Reconstruction where implant surgery is less reliable, such as after radiotherapy
- Body contour at the donor site in some cases
It does not restore normal breast sensation, does not recreate a natural nipple in itself, and creates a donor-site scar. It is a larger operation than implant reconstruction.
Before the procedure
You will receive individualized instructions and your reconstruction is planned in coordination with your breast and oncology teams. The flap type, donor site, timing, and realistic outcomes are discussed in detail, including recovery from a larger operation.
During the procedure
Tissue is carefully raised from the donor site with its blood vessels, transferred to the chest, and shaped into a breast. For free flaps, the tiny blood vessels are reconnected under the microscope to restore blood supply.
After the procedure
The flap is monitored closely in the first days to ensure a healthy blood supply. Recovery is longer than with implants, involving both the chest and donor site. Activity is reintroduced gradually as healing allows.
Results: what it can and cannot achieve
A natural-looking, natural-feeling, and durable breast reconstruction is achievable. It cannot restore normal sensation and involves a donor-site scar and a longer recovery. A balancing procedure and later nipple reconstruction are often part of the complete plan.
Possible risks and complications
Microsurgical reconstruction is highly refined but is major surgery and carries risks. Possible risks include:
- Partial or, rarely, total flap loss if blood supply is compromised
- Infection, bleeding, or delayed wound healing
- Donor-site complications such as bulging or weakness
- Fat necrosis (firm areas within the flap)
- Asymmetry or the need for refinement
- Reduced or altered skin sensation
Smoking and impaired circulation raise the risk of healing problems, wound complications, and tissue loss, so honest assessment and smoking cessation are especially important in reconstructive surgery.
Who it suits
Autologous reconstruction may suit patients who want a natural, lasting reconstruction using their own tissue. It is especially suitable for those who:
- Want a natural look and feel that ages with them
- Have had or will have radiotherapy
- Have suitable donor tissue and general health for a longer operation
- Accept a donor-site scar and longer recovery
- Do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
It may not suit patients who prefer a shorter recovery, who have insufficient donor tissue, or whose health makes a long operation unsuitable. Your surgeon advises the most suitable option.
Why Skulpturkliniken
Reconstructive surgery by Dr. Matteo Amoroso
Reconstructive surgery at Skulpturkliniken is performed by Dr. Matteo Amoroso, a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon with a background in reconstructive microsurgery. This training in restoring form, function, and blood supply is the foundation of safe reconstruction and natural, durable results.
Natural results from your own tissue
Reconstruction is about restoring you, not creating something artificial. Dr. Amoroso plans every procedure around your anatomy and tissue so the result looks and feels as natural as possible and supports your everyday life.
A microsurgical background
Free-flap reconstruction depends on reconnecting tiny blood vessels reliably under the microscope. Dr. Amoroso's reconstructive microsurgery training is directly relevant here, supporting safe transfer and a healthy, durable result.
Individualized assessment
Every procedure begins with a detailed assessment. We evaluate:
The area to be reconstructed and surrounding tissue quality
Any previous surgery, radiotherapy, or treatment
Skin quality, scarring, and blood supply
General health, medication, and lifestyle
Your goals, priorities, and realistic expectations
What Does Surgery Cost?
The costs of treatments are listed in the price section and often don't change. However, the price depends on the extent of the procedure, the technique used, anesthesia, surgical time, and whether additional procedures are combined.
Every operation is individually planned, and the final price is discussed clearly during consultation after Dr. Matteo Amoroso has assessed your anatomy, goals, and surgical needs.
All surgical prices include one of the most extensive, transparent, and safe warranty programs. The price is designed to be comprehensive and includes everything related to the operation, from consultation and surgical planning to the procedure itself, compression garment when applicable, direct access to Dr. Matteo Amoroso and the medical team, and unlimited follow-up controls during the first year.
Safety and Trust
When considering surgery, price should not be the only factor.
Safety is central to every step of the surgical journey. At Skulpturkliniken, safety isn't a luxury, it's the foundation of everything we do. We have created an environment where accessibility, personal connection, and full transparency are not privileges, but standards. Your Surgeon will be your closest point of contact. We understand that aesthetic surgery is a personal journey, sometimes even life-changing. We have built a model where you don't just meet a surgeon, you build a trust-based, continuous relationship with him. From your first consultation to long after your recovery, your surgeon is personally available to you. You will never find yourself speaking to a call center or an automated message. Need guidance, reassurance, or a second opinion, we will be there not as a favor, but as a part of our philosophy.
Your Treatment Includes:
Choosing Skulpturkliniken means choosing a complete experience with no compromises.
Our pricing is fully transparent and published openly on our website, what you see is what you pay, with no hidden fees or additional charges.
- Extensive first consultation with Dr. Matteo Amoroso
- Eventual additional preoperative consultation with Dr. Matteo Amoroso
- Detailed assessment and individualized surgical planning
- 3D simulation
- Careful evaluation of whether surgery is the right option
- Preoperative preparation guidance
- Surgery in a safe and controlled surgical environment
- Anesthesia
- Compression garments
- Unlimited postoperative follow-up visits during the first year
- Direct access to the surgeon and nursing team
- Digital access to your medical records through Adoreal®
- Aesthetic care program
- Patient insurance through Folksam
- Long-term postoperative support
- One of the most extensive, transparent, and safe warranty programs.
Frequently asked questions
Trust The Adoreal Experience
The Adoreal Platform gives you complete control of your aesthetic journey. You will be guided throughout your entire process, from consultation to recovery, ensuring an exceptional experience for you as a patient.
You are in control
Complete access to your information, health records and previous journeys.
Unmatched predictability
Manage your expectations with our questionnaire Silhouette, and visualize your ideal outcomes with 3D simulation.
Trusted step-by-step guide
From bookings to payments, logistics and after care, Adoreal will be your companion.
Empowered safety measures
Complimentary health check, careful monitoring, and meticulous preparation.
