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Logo Dr J. Zeitoun
After mastectomy · The 8th arrondissement of Paris & Neuilly

Breast Surgery Breast reconstruction Dr Jérémie Zeitoun · Breast Surgeon in the 8th arrondissement of Paris

Dr Jérémie Zeitoun
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Dr. Zeitoun in the operating theatre
Surgical instruments
KEY FIGURES
5
reconstruction techniques available: implant, DIEP, latissimus dorsi, gracilis, fat grafting
12-18 months
time before assessing the definitive result
2 to 6
days of hospitalisation depending on the technique chosen
6-12
weeks before returning to sport depending on the technique
2
preoperative consultations to choose with you
What we guarantee

01
All modern techniques mastered: implant, DIEP (no implant), latissimus dorsi, gracilis, fat grafting, flat closure.
02
Immediate reconstruction (same procedure as the mastectomy) or delayed — depending on what is best for you.
03
100 % coverage by French Health Insurance for mastectomy due to cancer or BRCA mutation.
A right, not an option Strategy Techniques Pathway Recovery Coverage FAQ
What the law says

A right, not an option

Gloved hands in the operating room
Gloved hands in the operating room

✓
Right guaranteed by law since 2002Any mastectomy — total or partial — gives the right to reconstruction, with no time limit.
✓
Covered under ALD 30 by French Health InsuranceReconstruction is covered under the ALD 30 scheme. Dr Zeitoun practises in sector 2 (non-OPTAM): additional fees may apply, reimbursed in whole or in part by your complementary health insurance.
✓
No urgency to decideReconstruction can be performed months or years after mastectomy, once treatments are complete.
✓
Several techniques availableThe choice depends on your body shape, skin condition, treatments received and personal preferences.

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— Surgical strategy

How your surgical strategy takes shape

— Context A · Active cancer treatment

Reconstruction at the time of cancer treatment

The 3 questions below
— Context B · Secondary reconstruction

Delayed reconstruction, after past mastectomy

Directly to the techniques (step 2) See reconstruction techniques →

01
— Step 1 · Context A only

Do we need to sample lymph nodes under the arm?

02
— Step 2 · Concerns both A and B

Would you like a reconstruction?

— No reconstruction

Choosing flat closure reconstruction

  • · A single, shorter procedure
  • · Faster recovery
  • · External breast prosthesis available secondarily (covered by French Social Security)
— Reconstruction on the same day

Reconstructing at the same time

  • → Implant (definitive prosthesis or expander)
  • → DIEP flap (abdomen, microsurgery)
  • → Latissimus dorsi flap (back muscle)
  • → Gracilis flap (inner thigh)
  • → Lipofilling (fat transfer)

03
— Step 3 · Only if Context A + reconstruction

Can we keep the nipple and areola?

— Nipple & areola preserved

  • · Under the breast (in the fold under the breast — preferred approach)
  • · Under the arm (scar hidden in the armpit)
  • · Around the areola
— Nipple & areola removed

— Minimally invasive approaches

Endoscopic mastectomy

Robot-assisted mastectomy

The surgical options

Heterologous, autologous — which technique?

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From consultation to final result

Your pathway, step by step

  1. 01

    Dedicated reconstruction consultation

  2. 02

    Pre-operative assessment

  3. 03

    Breast volume reconstruction

  4. 04

    Symmetrisation of the contralateral breast

  5. 05

    Nipple and areola reconstruction

Four-hand surgery

Flap reconstruction
on video

My role

The plastic surgeon

Recovery

Post-operative course of breast reconstruction

Days 1–5
Hospitalisation
2 to 5 days depending on the technique. Drain(s) in place for the first days. Appropriate analgesics. Early mobilisation encouraged.
Days 8–15
Post-op check-up
Removal of sutures or staples, verification of healing. Progressive return to light daily activity.
Months 1–3
Follow-up consultation
Assessment of early result, return to activities. Discussion of any adjustments and symmetrisation.
Months 12–24
Definitive result
Definitive appearance of scars and aesthetic result judged at 12 months minimum. nipple-areola complex reconstruction if desired.

Living with a reconstruction day to day

Bras and clothing

Scars: massages and care

Physical activity and sport

Work and social life

Long-term monitoring

2–5 days
Hospitalisation by technique
4–6 weeks
Average sick leave
12 months
Definitive result assessed

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— Coverage & financial structure

How your coverage is structured

  • → Breast volume reconstruction (implant, DIEP, latissimus dorsi, gracilis, lipofilling)
  • → Contralateral breast symmetrisation (lift, reduction or augmentation)
  • → Nipple-areola complex reconstruction (local flap + 3D medical tattoo)
  • → Hospitalisation, anaesthesia, nursing care, post-operative follow-up

— Good to know

External prostheses

Sick leave

Ancillary costs

Reflection time

Your questions

What you ask

Do breast implants last a lifetime? ▾

What does the result look like? Will scars be visible? ▾

Does breast reconstruction restore sensation? ▾

Can a mammogram be performed on a reconstructed breast? ▾

How much does reconstruction cost and how is it covered? ▾

When can sport and normal activities resume? ▾

Immediate or delayed reconstruction — how to choose? ▾

Do I need reconstruction if I carry a BRCA mutation? ▾

Does radiotherapy prevent implant-based reconstruction? ▾

Is reconstruction painful? ▾

Choosing flat closure: what is it? ▾

Does reconstruction change sexual and intimate life? ▾

Can I ask for a second surgical opinion? ▾

How long does the entire reconstruction pathway take? ▾

How do I choose my surgeon for breast reconstruction in Paris? ▾

What is breast reconstruction? ▾

When should I see a surgeon about breast reconstruction? ▾

What happens at a reconstruction consultation? ▾

How do I book a breast reconstruction appointment? ▾

Related reading

Reconstruction technique
Breast lipofilling — full guide
Procedure, indications (sequelae of conservative treatment and after mastectomy), oncological safety, FAQ.
→ Read the lipofilling page
Breast cancer
Conservative treatment and surgery
Lumpectomy, mastectomy, sentinel lymph node — surgical options and care pathway.
→ Read the breast cancer page
Benign breast surgery
Benign breast lesions and cysts
Fibroadenomas, cysts, at-risk lesions — consultations in Paris 8th and at Clinique Hartmann; surgery at Hartmann.
→ Read the benign breast page
Benign breast surgery
Benign breast lesions and cysts
Fibroadenomas, cysts, at-risk lesions — consultations in Paris 8th and at Clinique Hartmann; surgery at Hartmann.
Coming from abroad

Book a consultation

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Preventive Surgery
Prophylactic Mastectomy — BRCA1 & BRCA2
Breast reconstruction can be performed immediately during prophylactic mastectomy. All techniques are available — implant, DIEP, latissimus dorsi, lipofilling, flat closure.
See the page →
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