Breast Reconstruction

Plastic surgery to rebuild a breast, usually done after a mastectomy (removal of the breast) has been performed to treat cancer. Reconstruction is often done in several stages. The first stage may be done at the time of mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at some point in time after mastectomy (delayed reconstruction).

Parts of the Body Involved

  • Breast
  • Sometimes muscles and/or skin flaps from abdomen, chest, or back
  • Sometimes skin grafts from inner thigh and/or armpit

Reasons for Procedure

To rebuild a natural-appearing breast after a breast has been removed to treat cancer

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Bleeding disorder
  • Malnutrition
  • Chronic illness or debilitation

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:
  • Physical exam
  • Blood tests
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)

Outcome

The reconstructed breast will appear somewhat normal, although there may be some asymmetry between the newly reconstructed breast and the other, natural breast. Some women want improved symmetry, and therefore undergo further surgery on one or both breasts to achieve this.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the incision site
  • Nausea and/or vomiting that you cant control with the medications you were given after surgery, or which persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital
  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
  • Your implants grow hard, or you believe that they are leaking
  • Joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptoms
  • Pain and/or swelling in your feet, calves, or legs, sudden shortness of breath or chest pain