Understanding Common Plastic Surgery Risks: What Every Patient Should Know

Undergoing breast surgery, whether for medical or aesthetic reasons, is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of potential risks. At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we prioritize patient education, ensuring you are well-informed about both the benefits and possible complications associated with your procedure.

General Surgical Risks

All surgical procedures carry inherent risks, including:

• Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery may necessitate additional interventions.
• Infection: Despite sterile techniques, infections can occur at the surgical site, potentially requiring antibiotics or further treatment.
• Blood Clots: Formation of clots, particularly in the legs (deep vein thrombosis), can pose serious health risks if they travel to the lungs.
• Anesthesia Reactions: Adverse responses to anesthesia, though rare, can range from mild to severe.

Specific Risks Associated with Breast Surgery

Beyond general risks, breast surgeries have particular considerations:

• Fluid Collections: Accumulation of fluid (seroma) or blood (hematoma) between the skin and underlying tissues can occur post-surgery. Drains are often placed to prevent this; however, if fluid accumulates after drain removal, additional procedures may be necessary to remove it.
• Changes in Sensation: Altered sensation in the nipple, areola, and surrounding skin is common. The extent varies based on the surgical technique and individual healing processes.
• Nipple-Areola Complex Loss: In procedures aiming to preserve the nipple and areola, there’s a risk of reduced blood supply leading to tissue death (necrosis), which may require further intervention.
• Mastectomy Flap Necrosis: The remaining breast skin post-mastectomy might experience healing challenges due to insufficient blood supply, leading to tissue death. Factors increasing this risk include larger breast size, tobacco use, and prior radiation therapy.
• Delayed Wound Healing: Wound separation or slow healing may occur, potentially necessitating daily wound care or additional surgeries.
• Microvascular Thrombosis: In autologous breast reconstruction, there’s a risk of blood clots forming in the vessels supplying the transplanted tissue (flap), typically within the first 24-48 hours post-surgery. This complication may require immediate surgical intervention to salvage the tissue.
• Reconstruction Failure: Regardless of the reconstruction method—implants, DIEP flap, or other techniques—there’s a possibility of failure, resulting in a flat chest wall. While uncommon in properly selected patients, alternative reconstruction methods would be considered if this occurs.

Mitigating Risks

To minimize these risks, it’s crucial to:

• Choose an Experienced Surgeon: Select a board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized expertise in breast reconstruction.
• Follow Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions: Adhere strictly to your surgeon’s guidelines to promote optimal healing.
• Maintain Open Communication: Discuss any concerns or pre-existing conditions with your healthcare team to tailor the surgical plan to your needs.

At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we are dedicated to guiding you through your surgical journey. We help you weigh the risks and benefits to make informed decisions about your care. For more detailed information, please call our offices.