Breast reconstruction is no longer just about restoring shape — it’s about preserving function, sensation, and long-term wellbeing. With techniques like Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction (ILR) and neurotisation, your recovery can be more complete, more comfortable, and more connected to who you are.
At Plastics & Lymphatics, we offer advanced options that go beyond aesthetics. Every decision is guided by precision, empathy, and a deep respect for your journey.
Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction (ILR): Preventing Lymphoedema Before It Starts
If you’re facing axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), you may have heard about the risk of lymphoedema — swelling that can affect your arm, mobility, and comfort. ILR is a microsurgical technique performed during your mastectomy to reroute lymphatic channels into nearby veins, restoring drainage before swelling begins.
With ILR, your risk of lymphoedema drops from around 30% to under 10%.
What to expect:
- Your lymphatic vessels are mapped using dye and fluorescence
- We connect them to nearby veins using microsurgery
- You leave surgery with a proactive solution already in place
This isn’t just about prevention — it’s about giving you peace of mind and a smoother path forward.
Neurotisation: Restoring Sensation to Your Reconstructed Breast
Losing sensation after mastectomy can feel disorienting — physically and emotionally. Neurotisation reconnects sensory nerves from your chest wall to your reconstructed breast using nerve grafts or allografts.
What this means for you:
- You may begin to feel touch, warmth, and movement again
- You reduce the risk of injury to areas that feel numb
- You reconnect with your body in a way that feels whole
Sensation often returns gradually over months to years, and every small change can feel like a step toward healing.
Why These Techniques Matter
ILR and neurotisation aren’t just surgical innovations — they’re tools to help you feel more like you. They protect your future, restore your connection to your body, and offer a recovery that’s not just physical, but emotional.
This is restorative surgery — thoughtful, intentional, and deeply personal.
Questions You Might Be Asking
- Will I feel anything in my reconstructed breast?
- Can I avoid lymphoedema?
- Is this available during my mastectomy?
We’ll walk you through every answer, using clear visuals and honest conversation. You deserve to understand your options — and to feel confident in your choices.
If you’re considering breast reconstruction, ask about ILR and neurotisation.
They’re not just techniques — they’re ways to restore what matters most.