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Tag: Breast Reconstruction 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.

Patient considering breast reconstruction surgery with a checklist of important factors to discuss with a doctor.

Before Undergoing Breast Reconstruction Surgery, 10 Things to Consider

Written by Breast Reconstruction Associates on . Posted in Breast Cancer, Breast Reconstruction. No Comments on Before Undergoing Breast Reconstruction Surgery, 10 Things to Consider

Breast reconstruction surgery is a crucial step in the recovery process for many breast cancer survivors. But with the overwhelming amount of information available, it can feel like trying to drink from a fire hydrant. Here’s a concise checklist to help you make informed decisions about your treatment plan.

1. Research Thoroughly

When faced with a breast cancer diagnosis, it’s natural to want to expedite your treatment. However, taking the time to understand all your options is vital. Consult reputable sources and discuss your choices with your doctors to ensure you’re making well-informed decisions.

2. Talk to Your Doctor

While online support groups and patient forums can provide valuable support, every patient’s situation is unique. It’s essential to address questions specific to your care directly with your doctor for the most accurate and personalized information.

3. Make the Best Decision for You

Breast reconstruction is a highly personal decision influenced by various factors. Involve your spouse, family, or support system in consultations to help weigh your options. Ultimately, the decision must be best for YOU in your current situation.

4. Plan Ahead

Surgery requires a recovery period that varies depending on the type of work you need to resume. Discuss the expected recovery time and post-op restrictions with your surgeon to adequately plan with your support system and employer.

5. Choose Your Breast Size

Your pre-operative body habitus will influence the size of your breast reconstruction. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your ideal breast size and show you photos of patients with similar body types to help set realistic expectations.

6. Know Your Timeline

At Breast Reconstruction Associates, our goal is to complete your reconstruction in as few surgeries as possible. Ask your surgeon how many surgeries they anticipate and the timing of each one. This timeline may need adjustment to prioritize your cancer treatment.

7. Understand Your Post-Surgery Appearance

Looking at photos of other patients who have undergone the surgery can alleviate fears. At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we review photos with patients to provide an accurate visual of what to expect regarding scar patterns and overall appearance.

8. Ask Questions

Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have. Make a list of all your concerns and go through them with your doctor to ensure you have clarity and peace of mind.

9. Consider Your Nipples

Some patients may have the option of keeping their nipples through a nipple-sparing mastectomy, depending on the tumor’s location and nipple position. If not, options like nipple reconstruction or 3D nipple areola tattoos can complete your reconstruction.

10. Understand the Goal of Reconstruction

Discuss realistic expectations with your plastic surgeon and understand the difference between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. The goal is to restore what cancer took away, allowing you to fit clothing evenly without needing a prosthesis. It’s a life-changing experience that requires time and perspective to accept and love your new reconstructed self.

Conclusion

Take the necessary time to research and understand your options before moving forward with breast reconstruction surgery. For more information, visit Breast Reconstruction Associates.

Breast cancer awareness and prevention tips for 2024

How Common is Breast Cancer? Updated for 2024

Written by Breast Reconstruction Associates on . Posted in Breast Cancer, Womens Health. No Comments on How Common is Breast Cancer? Updated for 2024

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting American women, with one in eight women diagnosed during their lifetime (12.5% risk). There are several risk factors that can affect a woman’s risk, some of which are modifiable while others are out of our control.

Modifiable Risk Factors

  • Body Mass Index (BMI): Weight can significantly increase a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer as adipose (fat) tissue stores estrogen. Being overweight or obese increases estrogen exposure and cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy BMI is essential not only to lower your breast cancer risk but also to decrease the risk of recurrence if you are a breast cancer survivor. A balanced, nutritious diet and avoiding processed foods play crucial roles in achieving this.
  • Alcohol Consumption: The more alcohol you consume, the higher the risk of developing breast cancer. Limiting your intake to less than 3 to 4 drinks per week is recommended.
  • Tobacco Use: Nicotine use increases breast cancer risk and inhibits wound healing. It’s crucial to quit all nicotine products before undergoing surgical management.
  • Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk for breast cancer. Aim to engage in at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, though ideally, you should aim for 300 minutes for optimal risk reduction.
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Combination HRT (estrogen/progesterone) increases breast cancer risk. Most women must stop these medications once diagnosed. It’s especially important to perform routine self-breast exams and screening mammograms while taking HRT.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

  • Age: Breast cancer is predominantly diagnosed in women over the age of 50.
  • Gender: While women are overwhelmingly more affected by breast cancer than men, men constitute 2% of all breast cancer diagnoses each year. Men should also be aware of this risk and practice breast awareness.
  • Genetics & Family History: Certain genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Other genes include CHEK2, PALB2, and ATM. Even if genetic testing is negative, a family history of breast cancer can still place you at higher risk.
  • Lifetime Estrogen Exposure: Early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause, delaying childbirth after age 30, or not having children at all increases estrogen exposure and breast cancer risk.
  • Atypical Breast Cells: Not every breast biopsy is malignant; many are benign like fibroadenomas or cysts. However, some biopsies reveal high-risk lesions like atypical ductal and lobular hyperplasia and lobular carcinoma in situ.

While breast cancer rates have been increasing, more women are surviving this diagnosis thanks to increased awareness, early detection, and improved treatment options. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer or a genetic mutation and are considering breast reconstruction surgery, reach out to us at our Fort Worth, Austin, Bozeman, or Oklahoma City offices. At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we are committed to our patients’ overall health and reconstructive goals.

Learn more about breast cancer prevention and modifiable risk factors to take proactive steps in reducing your risk.

For more information and personalized advice, book a call with one of our specialists today!