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Possible complication after Breast Reconstruction

Hats off to medical science. With advances in breast reconstruction surgery, more than a third of the women undergoing breast removal are getting their breast(s) rebuilt.

Nowadays, the complications are much less than they used to be. However, there are still some risks connected with breast reconstruction. The patient is usually educated and counselled in breast reconstructive pros and cons prior to mastectomy, so that she can make a decision. It is best to be prepared for these possible problems to help cope with them if and whenever they occur.

Problems associated with breast reconstruction include:

Many women need pain relievers for a few weeks after surgery. The discomfort is all the more if reconstruction has been done at the same time as surgery for breast cancer and some lymph glands been removed from armpit. It is important that you continue moving your arm.

Wound infection:

Check out for:

If an implant has been used, it may have to be removed in order to treat the infection successfully.

Collection of fluid under the wound (seroma):

After breast reconstruction surgery, drainage tubes are inserted into the wound to drain away any fluid that may collect. However, at times a collection of fluid ( seroma), or blood ( haematoma) develops under the wound and may need to be removed by a doctor.

Itching:

As the wound heals, it may itch. Do not scratch the healing skin. It will automatically reduce as the wound heals.

Numbness:

You may feel numbness in the arm on the side of the new breast which is an effect of the surgery on the nerves in that area. It might gradually die down over time but at times permanent.

Mobility problems:

In case of muscle flap surgery, you will find bending and stretching uncomfortable for a few weeks after surgery. Supporting the wound with your hands while bending helps.

Ruptured breast implants:

To take care of this problem, breast implants nowadays are filled with a safe saline solution, so that if the implant does leak or rupture after the procedure, the solution will be absorbed by the patient’s body.

Excessive scar tissue ( keloid scarring):

Capsular contracture:

In this, the capsule or scar surrounding the implant tightens. The surgeon will either remove and replace the breast implant or remove the scar tissue.

Abdominal hernia:

Fat necrosis:

Hard lumps of fat form within the reconstructed breast.

M. Loss of blood circulation to the transplanted flap:

Weak muscles might develop in the donor area from where the flap was taken. There is also the additional risk that blood flow to the reconstructed breast may become restricted, causing the flap tissue to gradually die.

To ensure that breast reconstruction surgery is successful and to minimize the risk of complications, it is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions of pre as well as postoperative care.