The Side Effects and Risks of Breast Reconstruction – Important Info for Patients

After undergoing a mastectomy, some women choose to have breast reconstruction surgery to recreate their breasts.  A unilateral reconstruction involves the repair of one breast whereas a bilateral reconstruction involves both.  While recent medical discoveries have led to plastic surgeons being able to restore the natural appearance of a woman’s breasts, it is generally not possible to return lost sensation, to remove scars, or to restore a woman’s ability to breastfeed. 

Infection

All surgery comes along with the risk of infection.  Infections can develop either during or after the surgery and generally can be remedied with antibiotics.  More severe infections, however, may require extreme measures to avoid life-threatening consequences.

Tissue Necrosis

In some cases, tissues that do not receive adequate blood supply become necrotic and die.  This dead tissue must then be removed from the body, which generally requires additional surgery.

Fat Necrosis

After breast reconstruction surgery, some areas of the breast tissue become firm, forming a sort of lump in the breast.  Although these lumps are not often visible to the eye, they can be painful and often cause concern during breast exams.  Sometimes fat necroses improve over time, but an ultrasound or biopsy may be needed to rule out cancer – in many cases the area of necrosis will be removed by a doctor entirely.

Scarring

Some women are more prone than others to developing prominent scars.  While it is nearly impossible to completely avoid scarring, in many cases breast reconstruction scars fade over time.  Women who smoke frequently experience a higher tendency to scar and may also have an increased recovery time.

Pain

Pain is a factor in any kind of surgery and can often be managed with pain medication prescribed by a doctor during the stages of recovery.  Postoperative pain is usually temporary, but in some cases severe pain can point toward a larger problem and should be evaluated by a skilled plastic surgeon at East Islip Surgical in Long Island.

Implant Rupture

Breast implants that are used for breast reconstruction have been known to last for decades, but the failure of these devices is not uncommon.  Breast implants may develop a rupture or leak, at which point they must be removed and replaced.

While technology and medical knowledge has improved in leaps and bounds over the past few decades, there is no way to completely eliminate the side effects and risks involved in surgery.  The best a patient can do is take the proper precautions to ensure his or her health and to follow the doctor’s instructions to achieve a smooth recovery.