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Breast Reconstruction

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  • Editorial Staff and Contributors
Publication Type:

Procedure

Breast Reconstruction

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Definition

Breast reconstruction is plastic surgery to rebuild a breast. It is usually done after a mastectomy has been done to treat breast cancer. Reconstruction generally requires several stages. The first stage may be done at the time of mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at some point after the mastectomy (delayed reconstruction). Breast reconstruction can be done using an implant or tissue expander followed by placement of an implant. Breast reconstruction can also be done using a tissue flap taken from another part of the body.

Breast Reconstruction with Implant.

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Reasons for Procedure

The goal of the procedure is to create a reconstructed breast that appears as similar to the natural breast as possible.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Pain
  • Reactions to anesthesia
  • Fluid or blood-filled cysts in the healing breast tissue
  • Abnormal scarring
  • Painful and/or restricted arm and shoulder motion
  • Uneven appearance of breasts, due either to position or size
  • Implant may harden, rupture, or leak
  • Implant may make cancer detection (through mammogram and/or self-exam) more difficult
  • Newly reconstructed breast will not have nerve sensation
  • The need to have more surgeries, including having the implants removed

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Bleeding disorder
  • Malnutrition
  • Chronic illness or debilitation
  • Prior radiation therapy to the chest wall, which may make healing more difficult
  • Chemotherapy

Silicone-filled breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. They typically need to be removed within 10 years. Your risk for complications increases the longer you have the implants.

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

  • Signs of infection including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the incision site
  • Pain that you cannot control with the medications you were given
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting
  • Implants grow hard or you believe that they are leaking
  • Joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptoms
  • Pain and/or swelling in your feet, calves, or legs, sudden shortness of breath, or chest pain

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Prior to Procedure

The following may be done:

In the days leading up to the procedure:

  • Talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking, including over the counter drugs and supplements. Some medications may need to be stopped for 1 week before surgery.
  • Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
  • Arrange for help at home after the procedure.
  • The night before, eat a light meal and do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
  • You may be asked to shower the morning of your procedure. You may be given antibacterial soap to use.
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Breast reconstruction. Breast Cancer website. Available at: http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/reconstruction. Accessed September 1, 2019.
  • Nahabedian MY. AlloDerm performance in the setting of prosthetic breast surgery, infection, and irradiation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009;124(6):1743-1753.
  • Namnoum JD. Expander/implant reconstruction with AlloDerm: recent experience. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009;124(2):387-394.

Contributors

  • Donald W. Buck II, MD
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.