Breast Reconstruction Risks, Complications - American society of plastic surgeons

There are many different types of breast reconstruction and the risks associated with these procedures vary. Here’s Dr. Evans explaining the risk factors and complications that may result from the most common breast reconstruction options. Breast reconstruction procedures involve basically two major areas. One is using a patient’s own tissue, and the second is using either some type of implant reconstruction or what we would call tissue expander which is like a balloon apparatus. Any operation carries risk. The major three risks of any type of procedure are anesthesia, bleeding and infection. But, and again, depending on the type of reconstruction will depend on the additional risk. There’s always a very small risk of even death to the patient. Again, it is based on medical history and medical problems and how healthy a person is prior to the surgery itself. If you’re using an implant or tissue expander, there’s some added complications with potential rupture of the implant, exposure, rippling and capsular contracture. If you’re using the abdominal tissue or back tissue, a patient’s own tissue, there may be additional risk in regards to mobility. Using the abdominal tissue, potential risk of an abdominal hernia, or more commonly what we call an abdominal bulge or issues with wound healing. So there are always risks with any procedure. We tend to try and minimize those as much as possible. My advice to other women that are going to go through this same thing is your attitude, research, know what you’re getting into. There’s many different procedures out there. Know how you want to recover and what you want as a result to see. I think knowledge is the best thing and also attitude.