Objective To gain a deep understanding of the real experience of post-traumatic growth inpatients after breast reconstruction for breast cancer. Methods Phenomenological research method was adopted in this study.Twelve breast cancer patients who had undergone the breast reconstruction surgery were selected as research participants through purposive and snowball sampling methods.Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted either face-to-face or over the telephone, and Colaizzi 7-step analysis method was applied to summarize and extract themes. Results Three themes and six sub-themes were extracted, including: self-reflection; self-rebuilding (the change of life values, personal strength, and the change of disease understanding from negative to positive); self-actualization (positive psychology, effective coping, and altruistic behavior). Conclusion Breast reconstruction patients can experience post-traumatic growth and show positive self-changes in the process of coping with adversity.Clinical medical personnel should pay attention to patients′ positive experience,stimulate patients′ positive power, and promote patients′ mental health.