Has anyone had problems with reconstructive breast surgery?

Answer 1

Virtually any woman who must lose her breast to cancer can have it rebuilt through reconstructive surgery. But there are risks associated with any surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.

In general, the usual problems of surgery, such as bleeding, fluid collection, excessive scar tissue, or difficulties with anesthesia, can occur although they're relatively uncommon. And, as with any surgery, smokers should be advised that nicotine can delay healing, resulting in conspicuous scars and prolonged recovery. Occasionally, these complications are severe enough to require a second operation.

If an implant is used, there is a remote possibility that an infection will develop, usually within the first two weeks following surgery. In some of these cases, the implant may need to be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new implant can later be inserted.

The most common problem, capsular contracture, occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten. This squeezing of the soft implant can cause the breast to feel hard. Capsular contracture can be treated in several ways, and sometimes requires either removal or "scoring" of the scar tissue, or perhaps removal or replacement of the implant.

Reconstruction has no known effect on the recurrence of disease in the breast, nor does it generally interfere with chemotherapy or radiation treatment, should cancer recur. Your surgeon may recommend continuation of periodic mammograms on both the reconstructed and the remaining normal breast. If your reconstruction involves an implant, be sure to go to a radiology center where technicians are experienced in the special techniques required to get a reliable x-ray of a breast reconstructed with an implant.

Women who postpone reconstruction may go through a period of emotional readjustment. Just as it took time to get used to the loss of a breast, a woman may feel anxious and confused as she begins to think of the reconstructed breast as her own.

Answer 2

I am an MT and one of my clients had about 3-4 lumps removed from her breasts. She was a very full B cup and did not need any reconstruction. The surgeon did an excellent job closing the lumpectomy sites. The tissue removed for each one was about the size of a large shooter marble or maybe a ping pong ball. The breasts looked smooth and symmetrical.

Answer 3

One of my friends had reconstructive breast surgery. She was very upset by her experience and how her breasts looked afterward. She was not inclined to speak up before or after the surgery. If you are considering it I would be proactive in being involved and informed...Good Luck!

Answer 4

i had a friends mom do it, and she loved it, and i've even had friends do it, and it was even brought up for me, just becuase i have rather large ones, that cuase some minor back problems, but my friends mother that did it, LOVED IT, like the other person said, talk to your doctor about it, make sure he knows what hes doing, and frankly talk your way though it, before the days come, and do all the research you can on the doctor, and see if there are others there aka shop around teehee

Answer 5

No, research and select the surgeons with noted, impecable reputations. On a show I saw on the topic advice given: Make sure the surgeons are insured, incase something goes wrong.

Answer 6

No, I still have the original construction. I hope you are o.k. though, and you are on your way to good health. Love to ya!