Breast Reconstruction Surgery Risks

Although complications are infrequent, all breast reconstruction surgeries have some degree of risk. During your consultation, it is important to discuss possible risks of breast reconstruction surgery with Dr. Salzberg. Be sure to understand these risks fully so that you can make an informed decision whether to proceed.

Although complications are infrequent, all surgeries have some degree of risk. During your consultation, it is important to discuss possible risks of breast reconstruction surgery with Dr. Salzberg. Be sure to understand these risks fully so that you can make an informed decision whether to proceed.

At New York Group for Plastic Surgery, we use our expertise and knowledge to avoid complications in so far as we are able. If a complication does occur, we use those same skills to resolve the problem quickly. Our medical team is highly qualified and we perform reconstructive procedures only in a certified facility; these are important considerations that cannot be overestimated.
In general, the least serious problems occur more often, while more serious problems occur rarely.

If a complication does arise, you, Dr. Salzberg, and the nursing staff will need to cooperate to resolve it. Some complications may extend your recovery period somewhat but will not permanently affect on your final result.

Common risks

Hematoma
A hematoma is a collection of blood under the skin at the surgical site. Small hematomas occuring after surgery are usually allowed to absorb spontaneously. Larger hematomas may require aspiration, drainage, or surgical removal.

Inflammation and infection
Superficial infections may require antibiotic ointment. Deeper infections are treated with oral antibiotics. Development of an abscess usually requires drainage.

Post-operative pain
Post-operative discomfort is usually easily managed with prescription medication. Many of our patients, however, find Tylenol provides adequate pain management.

Thick, wide or depressed scars
Even though we use advanced plastic surgery techniques, abnormal scars may occur. This is largely a result of how your own body reacts and heals. Some areas on the body scar more than others and some people scar more than others do. Your own history of scarring should give you some indication of what you can expect. Over-the-counter scar medications or silicone sheeting may soften scars and improve appearance. In cases where patients are dissatisfied with their scars, steroid injections directly into the scar often improve appearance considerably. Additional surgery to revise the scar is occasionally necessary.

Wound separation or delayed healing
While healing, an incision may separate or heal slowly, for any number of reasons, including inflammation, infection, wound tension, decreased circulation, smoking or excess external pressure. If delayed healing occurs, it does not usually affect the final outcome, but secondary revision of the scar may be appropriate.

Sensitivity or allergy to dressings or tape
Occasionally, allergic or sensitive reactions may occur from soaps, ointments, tape, or sutures used during or after surgery. Such problems are usually mild and easily treated. In extremely rare circumstances, allergic reactions can be severe and require aggressive treatment or even hospitalization.

Increased risks for smokers
Smokers have a greater chance of skin loss and poor healing because of decreased skin circulation.(Preparing for Surgery)

Injury to deeper structures
Blood vessels, nerves and muscles may be injured during surgery, although the incidence of such injuries is rare.

Less common complications

If severe, any of the problems mentioned above may significantly delay healing or necessitate further surgical procedures. Medical complications such as pulmonary embolism, severe allergic reactions to medications, cardiac arrhythmias, heart attack, and hyperthermia are rare but can be serious and life-threatening problems. Having a board-certified anesthesiologist present at your surgery reduces these risks as much as possible.

Note: Failure to disclose all pertinent medical data before surgery may cause serious problems for you and for the medical team during surgery.

Unsatisfactory or poor result

All plastic surgery treatments and operations are performed to improve a condition, resolve a problem or improve appearance. While the procedures are performed with a very high probability of success, disappointments occur and results are not always acceptable to patients or the surgeon. Asymmetry, unhappiness with the result, poor healing, or other complications may occur. Secondary procedures, such as revision surgery or other treatments may be required to resolve or improve the problem. Rarely, problems may be permanent.