Potential Risks and Complications

The majority of mastectomy patients who choose to undergo breast reconstruction are satisfied with their decision. Breast reconstruction surgery carries with it potential risks and complications for our Irvine and Corona patients, as is the case with any major surgery. Dr. Andrew Smith will take the time to review your medical history and help you determine whether reconstruction is appropriate for you.

General Risks

As with any surgery, our Orange County reconstructive breast surgery patients can experience general problems, such as bleeding, fluid collection, infection, excessive scar tissue, or difficulties with anesthesia. Fortunately, these problems are relatively uncommon. Smokers should be advised that nicotine can delay healing, so you should stop smoking prior to surgery. Dr. Smith will discuss this and other recommended precautions with you when you meet with him at your pre-operative visit.

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Implant-Related Risks & Complications

The complications associated with breast reconstruction for our Irvine and Corona, Orange County patients who choose breast implants are similar to those associated with regular breast augmentation. These complications include:

• Capsular contracture: The most common implant-specific problem is called "capsular contracture," which is a hardening of the normal scar, or capsule, around the implant. This squeezing of the soft implant can cause the breast to feel hard. Capsular contracture can be treated in several ways, including surgically releasing the scar tissue, or replacing or removing the implant.
• Implant leak: Our Newport Beach patients choosing breast implants should be aware that implants are temporary medical devices that will likely need to be replaced. While saline implants deflate rapidly when punctured or torn, silicone implants may show no immediate signs of rupture. For this reason it is recommended that patients with silicone implants have an MRI 3 years after implant surgery, and then every 2 years afterwards to monitor for leakage.
• Shifting: Sometimes the implant can shift from its original location causing an unnatural look. This problem can be corrected through subsequent surgery.
• Patient dissatisfaction: Although breast reconstruction with implants is the most common technique chosen, some patients are not happy with their results. Usually, removing the implants and replacing them with a different implant type or size resolves the patient's concerns. Dr. Smith will do his best to give you realistic expectations for your breast reconstruction surgery so that you are pleased with your outcome.

Flap Surgery Risks & Complications

Flap surgery has the advantage of using your own living tissue to reconstruct the breast, but it also has its own risks and possible complications including:

• Scarring: All types of flap surgery result in scarring, both on the newly constructed breast and at the donor site on your body. The scars will fade over time, but will never completely disappear. You will be more likely to be satisfied with this technique if you have realistic expectations for your results.
• Tissue death: Since flap surgery uses transplanted tissue, there is the rare possibility of tissue death, or necrosis. If the transplanted tissue dies, it usually does so soon after surgery, in which case it will need to be removed.

As an Orange County breast surgeon, Dr. Smith also can explain in detail the specific risks associated with the various types of flap surgery at your consultation appointment.

Additional Considerations

Recovering from a breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy is a gradual process, both physically and mentally, for many women. Initially, most patients are relieved to have the cancerous tissue removed and replaced with a reconstructed breast. However, many patients need some time to mentally adjust to the loss of their breast and to having the reconstructed breast as a part of their bodies.

If you have realistic expectations and understand that the new breast will not look, feel, or have sensations exactly like the original breast, you are more likely to be satisfied with your results. Breast reconstruction patients are usually happy they have had the surgery and report improved self-image, as well as increased self-esteem.

Our Care for You

As a surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction, Dr. Andrew Smith is proud to be part of a talented treatment team that has helped hundreds of women rebuild their lives after a breast cancer diagnosis. He welcomes the opportunity to educate you about breast reconstruction, including the associated risks and complications. Request a consultation online with Dr. Smith or call our Irvine office at 949.653.7000.