Breast Reconstruction RisksSurgical Breast Reconstruction Risks
The actual surgery might take a considerable toll on the health of any reconstruction patient, especially if performed as a separate procedure, rather than integrated into the
mastectomy
operation. This is even more likely if the surgery is undertaken when the patient is still weakened from disease or subsequent treatment. Although most women would love to rebuild their missing breast ASAP, sometimes waiting a bit longer might be the wisest choice, being that time allows the body to fully recuperate from previous trauma. The most common surgical risks involve poor reaction to anesthetic, infection or continuing pain or bleeding. While most of these complications are rare, they do occur and can sometimes cause dire consequences. Natural Tissue Breast Reconstruction RisksNatural breast reconstruction techniques utilize the patients own organic donor tissue to re-form the new breast mound. While this is a great option for many women, there are certain risks which must be considered. The most common risk factor comes from the 2 individual surgical wounds which must heal simultaneously. The new breast will be a fresh wound, while the donor site will also suffer considerably. Some women might experience problems at either surgical location and some of these events might be severe. While serious problems are also rare, some may occur, and complications such as transplanted tissue necrosis, can actually become a life threatening condition.Implant Based Breast Reconstruction RisksUsing prosthetic breast implants is still the most common method of performing breast reconstruction. While most patients enjoy a wonderful surgical result, some women do suffer unwanted effects during or after the operation. The most common procedure-specific effect is the increased chance of enduring a problematic capsular contracture.Contracture among reconstruction patients has a greater chance of occurring sooner and more severely than in women who undergo a simple cosmetic breast augmentation. In addition, many contracture conditions in reconstruction patients are treatment resistant and might require implant removal to enact a permanent solution. Breast Reconstruction Risks AdviceDespite the risks detailed in this article, breast reconstruction surgery is still a hugely beneficial option for women to consider. The loss of a breast is guaranteed to enact significant psycho-emotional pain and suffering in any woman. Breast repair surgery will counteract these effects and provide any affected woman with a sense of wholeness and accomplishment in overcoming disease or injury. Most women undergo successful reconstruction with no ill effects and enjoy their new breast (and often their new lease on life) for many decades. The vast majority of doctors agree that reconstruction is a risk worth taking for all but the least indicated of patients.To learn more about the emotional aspects of reconstructive mammary surgery, please read our Psychology of Breast Reconstruction page and our Recovering from Breast Cancer page. Breast Reconstruction Risks to Breast Surgery 8/31/09 Revised 6/7/11 |
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