Breast reconstruction is most commonly performed after surgery for breast cancer, although their are other less common reasons (eg. after burns to the breast).

Options for breast reconstruction will depend on 
  - whether a part or the whole of the breast has been removed
  - whether one or both breasts require reconstruction
  - whether the woman wants the new breast to match the remaining breast, or wants a change in breast size (eg. remaining breast reduced in size)
  - whether the reconstruction is performed at the same time as the breast surgery ("immediate" surgery) or at a later date ("delayed" surgery)
  - how natural a feel and look the woman wants the breast to have (both in or out of a bra)
  - how much "downtime" the woman is willing to take after surgery

Types of breast reconstruction:
  - lipofilling (liposuction to harvest fat which is then injected to the breast area to create a breast-like mound)
  - implant reconstruction (see breast augmentation)
  - local flap reconstruction (usually only after small partial lateral breast excision operations)
  - latissimus dorsi flap +/- implant reconstruction (using a muscle from the back which is swung forward to cover an implant)
  - free flap reconstruction (usually using abdominal tissue it also leaves a scar like an abdominoplasty)
The complexity of the surgery and downtime after surgery tends to increase with each of these procedures listed above.

Each womans reconstructive needs and desires are unique, and surgery must be planned on an individual basis after detailed discussion between patient and surgeon.