For many women, belly tissue or implants can be used to create the breast mound.  The two options are very different.  Abdominal based reconstruction is a larger up-front commitment of operating room time, inpatient stay, and restrictions, in exchange for minimal to no long term maintenance.  Implant based reconstruction is a shorter up-front commitment, in exchange for the very likely requirement for revisionary surgery on a long term basis. Read further for more information on Free Flap vs. Implant.