Breast and Nipple Reconstruction Complications

All operations carry risks. A surgical complication is defined as any undesirable result of surgery. A few of the more common problems are listed below.

After the operation, the skin over the new breast may feel numb, but usually this improves after six months or so.

In rare cases, body fluid ( seroma ) or blood clots ( hematoma ) can build up underneath the skin. Often this needs treatment using a needle and syringe, or by a small second operation.

There is a possibility of recurrence of the cancer, unrelated to the reconstructive surgery.

There is a small risk of infection of the wound, which may lead to breakdown of the area, and even removal of the implants. This is much more likely if you are a smoker and if you have had radiotherapy.

If reconstruction has been done by using tissue from somewhere else in the body (a "flap"), the attendant risks involve loss of part or the whole flap.

Capsular contracture refers to a situation where a layer of scar tissue forms around the implant and thickens and squeezes the implants. The symptoms of capsular contracture range from mild firmness and discomfort to severe pain and movement of the breast implant.

Breast implants have been known to rupture or deflate (saline implants), after a hard blow to the chest or even spontaneously. This may necessitate further surgery.

Cosmetic problems such as wrinkling of the skin, asymmetry, implant displacement, unanticipated shape, implant palpability, scar deformity may occur.