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Tag: Breast Cancer Surgery

Surgeons in an operating room looking at a patient during surgery.

Understanding Common Plastic Surgery Risks: What Every Patient Should Know

Written by Breast Reconstruction Associates on . Posted in Breast Reconstruction, Patient Education. No Comments on 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.

DIEP flap breast reconstruction, highlighting benefits of natural tissue use and long-term advantages.

DIEP Flap vs. Implant Breast Reconstruction (Updated For 2024)

Written by Breast Reconstruction Associates on . Posted in Breast Implants, Breast Reconstruction, DIEP Flap Reconstruction. No Comments on DIEP Flap vs. Implant Breast Reconstruction (Updated For 2024)

Breast cancer patients now have a plethora of options when it comes to reconstructive surgery. Choosing the right type of breast reconstruction can be overwhelming but understanding the differences between the DIEP flap and implant breast reconstruction can help you make an informed decision.

What is DIEP Flap Reconstruction?

The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap is an advanced method of breast reconstruction that uses your abdominal tissue to replace the soft tissue and skin removed during a mastectomy. Unlike the TRAM flap procedure, the DIEP flap preserves all the muscles of the abdomen, resulting in a less invasive and more natural reconstruction.

Why Choose DIEP Flap Over Implants?

  • Natural Tissue Use

With DIEP flap reconstruction, the patient’s own skin and fat are utilized to replace the breast volume removed during the mastectomy. This eliminates the need for implants, providing a more natural look and feel.

  • Long-term Benefits

Implant reconstruction may lead to complications such as implant ruptures or capsular contracture (breast hardening), often requiring maintenance surgeries over time. In contrast, DIEP flap reconstruction tends to result in softer, more natural-feeling breasts that typically do not require further surgical interventions.

  • Sensory Nerve Reconstruction

One of the advancements in DIEP flap reconstruction is the potential for sensory nerve reconstruction, which aims to restore sensation to the transplanted tissue. While not performed routinely, it is available in select cases, and your surgeon can discuss its pros and cons to determine if it should be included in your reconstruction plan.

  • Pain Management

Post-operative pain is often a concern for patients considering DIEP flap reconstruction. Contrary to popular belief, our experience at Breast Reconstruction Associates shows that recovery and healing post-DIEP flap reconstruction are often easier than anticipated. We employ an effective post-operative pain protocol that usually manages pain without the need for narcotic pain medications.

What to Expect at Breast Reconstruction Associates

At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we pride ourselves on offering state-of-the-art breast reconstruction through individualized and compassionate care. Located in Fort Worth, Austin, Oklahoma City, Bozeman, our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible treatment.

Many of our patients choose to go home after a one or two-night hospital stay, and they often find the recovery significantly easier than expected. We strive to make your experience as comfortable and seamless as possible, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

The DIEP flap is an excellent breast reconstruction option for women, providing a natural-looking and feeling breast after mastectomy while avoiding the use of implants. If you’re looking for the “gold standard” in breast reconstruction, look no further. For more information and to discuss your options, contact us at Breast Reconstruction Associates, your DIEP flap experts in Dallas Fort Worth, Texas.

Sources: BreastCancer.org

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