Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons Serving Denver, Lone Tree, Colorado & Nationwide
During your consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, we can immediately help determine whether or not you are a candidate for breast reconstruction. Furthermore, we can help provide recommendations as to the best suited option we offer for your situation.
No matter your circumstances, we want to meet with you and discuss your options. There is no optimal age for patients considering breast reconstruction, and we will talk about your overall health during your initial consultation. We will work closely with your oncologist and general surgeon if you are in the treatment process to develop a timeline that works for you. If you had a mastectomy some time ago and are looking for reconstruction (delayed reconstruction), we look forward to developing a plan with you.
There are certain risk factors that put each patient at a higher risk for a successful breast reconstruction. Certainly, any of these will not necessarily disqualify a patient from surgery, but other options may need to be discussed as a result of any of these issues. These will be reviewed during your consultation. Be sure to give the trusted Drs. Christopher & Jeremy Williams a call today at 303-706-1100 for your consultation!
Risk Factors for Breast Reconstruction
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Previous radiation in the chest region
- Autoimmune disease
- Previous procedures in donor sites (liposuction, surgical scars)
- Significant heart disease or pulmonary problems
- Multiple significant medical issues
During this consultation and physical health evaluation, we will also discuss the risks and complications of each procedure, as there are with any procedure. We want you to be well-informed and aware as you make each decision along the way.
Potential Complications
Breast reconstruction surgery involves possible risks, including:
- Loss of flap
- Abdominal wall hernia
- Asymmetry
- Bleeding
- Change in skin sensation
- Delayed healing
- Fat necrosis
- Firmness from internal scarring
- Infection
- Pulmonary complications
- Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
- Scarring
- Seroma requiring draining
- Unsatisfactory results
- Weakness in abdominal muscle function
- Effects of anesthesia
Pain: If you experience severe pain not relieved by pain medicine, notify your surgeon immediately. Some discomfort is expected after surgery and you will receive a prescription for pain medication. The intensity and duration of pain after breast reconstruction will vary among women.
Dissatisfaction with cosmetic results: We strive to attain the aesthetic results you desire. Some women are not entirely satisfied with their results due to mild wrinkling, asymmetry, incorrect size, unanticipated shape, scar deformity, hypertrophic (irregular, raised scar) scarring, or “sloshing”. Careful surgical planning and technique can minimize but not always prevent such results. Follow-up revision surgeries should be expected to achieve optimal results.
Infection: A small number of women develop an infection. This typically can occur several days to several weeks after the procedure.
Hematoma and seroma: A hematoma is a collection of blood under the skin, and a seroma is a collection of the watery portion of the blood under the skin. Hematomas or seromas typically develop within the first few days after surgery. However, they may occur at any time after injury to the breast. The body can reabsorb small hematomas or seromas and often patients will be unaware or asymptomatic of these smaller fluid collections. Larger ones require the placement of surgical drains for proper healing. A small scar can develop at the surgical drain site.
Breast sensation: Feelings in the breast can decrease after breast reconstruction. People report a range of feelings, from intense sensitivity to complete numbness in the breast. These changes are usually temporary, but can be permanent and may affect your sexual response. These changes vary widely between patients, but in general it can be expected that overall sensation to the breast region will be decreased after the mastectomy and breast reconstruction.
Delayed wound healing or wound dehiscence: In some instances, the incision site takes longer to heal than normal. Cigarette smoking, poor nutritional status and a compromised immune system can all cause delayed wound healing or wound separation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. All breast reconstruction involves surgical risks such as infection, bleeding, wound-healing problems, and anesthesia complications, but some risks are specific to the reconstruction method:
- Implant-based reconstruction can involve complications such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, implant exposure, or changes in implant position.
- Flap reconstruction uses your own tissue, so there are additional considerations related to the donor site and blood supply to the transferred tissue, including partial or complete flap loss.
During your consultation, we’ll explain which risks are most relevant to the type of reconstruction you're considering.
Timing can influence certain risks, but there isn't one timing option that's safest for everyone.
Immediate reconstruction begins at the time of mastectomy, while delayed reconstruction takes place after the mastectomy has healed, sometimes following other cancer treatment.
Radiation therapy, your health, the reconstruction technique, and your individual cancer treatment plan can all affect which timing makes the most sense. Dr. Christopher Williams and Dr. Jeremy Williams work with you and the other members of your medical team when planning the timing of reconstruction.
Some swelling, bruising, discomfort, and changes in sensation can be expected after surgery. However, new or worsening symptoms deserve attention.
Contact your surgical team if you notice:
- Increasing redness or swelling
- Pus or unusual drainage from an incision
- Fever
- Worsening or excessive pain
- A sudden change in breast shape
- Other changes that concern you
We'll give you specific postoperative instructions so you know what to watch for during your own recovery.
Shortness of breath, chest pain, or unusual heartbeats require immediate medical attention. Call 911 or seek emergency care if you experience these symptoms.
Some complications occur soon after surgery, while others can appear much later. Implant-related concerns such as capsular contracture, rupture, or changes in implant position may develop over time. Rare implant-associated conditions can also occur years after implant placement.
Changes can also occur after tissue-based reconstruction, including changes in breast shape or symmetry.
Continuing to monitor your reconstructed breast and discussing new swelling, lumps, pain, firmness, or changes in appearance with your medical team remains important long after the initial recovery period.
It is possible for a significant surgical complication to affect the timing of chemotherapy or radiation, particularly when additional healing or treatment for an infection or wound problem is needed.
That doesn't mean breast reconstruction will necessarily delay your cancer care. Reconstruction timing is planned with your broader treatment needs in mind, and factors such as whether you need radiation can influence when reconstruction is performed.
At The Breast Center, your reconstructive plan can be coordinated with the other physicians involved in your breast cancer care so that both your reconstruction and cancer treatment needs are considered.
Speak With Dr. Williams About The Risks & Complications Of Breast Surgery!
Certainly, no matter the case, we want to see you and discuss your unique situation. To schedule a confidential consultation, please call 303-706-1100 or schedule your appointment with us online. We look forward to meeting you!