A cancer patient has become one of the first in the country to have a new form of breast reconstruction surgery.

Anne Wood, 55, underwent the operation at Worthing Hospital earlier this month.

The lipomodelling technique, carried out by consultant surgeon Riccardo Bonomi, was first developed in America but surgeons in this country are now learning the technique.

It involves using the patient’s own natural fatty tissue instead of artificial implants.

Tissue is taken by gentle liposuction from the abdomen or thigh and injected into the breast.

The end result is a more natural shape and feel and, with no need for implants, complications are kept to a minimum The technique has been widely used to treat minor imperfections to reconstructed breasts but this is one of the first times a full reconstruction has been carried out.

Mrs Wood, from Lindfield, Haywards Heath, who works as a care assistant, suffered from breast cancer more than 20 years ago.

The new case was discovered last year following a routine mammogram.

She had a mastectomy at Worthing Hospital but did not need chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

She said: “Because the mammogram showed up a problem, we caught the cancer before it had a chance to spread and surgery was all I needed.

“Mr Bonomi told me about the new reconstruction technique but as it was still quite new I thought it was something they might do years in the future so I would not have it done.

“Then he told me he had the training and, if I was willing, he could do the surgery on me.

“After the operation I was bruised and there was swelling but no pain.

“I am delighted with the results. It looks very natural and I would recommend any woman to have it done.

“It has really done a lot for my confidence and self-esteem.”

Mr Bonomi said: “I am delighted we have been able to develop this technique at Worthing and can now offer it as an alternative to artificial implants when suitable.”