Breast Reconstruction Surgeries

Overview

There are different types of breast surgeries that are used for several breast issues and concerns. Along with the benefits of these surgeries, there are some risk factors associated with them.

Let’s learn about the risks related to each type of breast surgery.

Risks specific to DIEP flap surgery

The DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforators) flap is an advanced breast reconstruction surgery that uses complete skin tissues with attached blood vessels (perforators) and fat from your lower abdomen to reconstruct your breasts. But just like other surgeries, there are some complications of DIEP flap surgery, that include:

  • Fat necrosis: Fat necrosis is a condition that occurs when the fat cells start dying rapidly. Symptoms of fat necrosis include hardening of the skin and breast, mild to severe pain, and sensations. If you develop fat necrosis, it will probably require antibiotic treatment.
  • Nerve injury: Nerve injury is a common complication of DIEP flap surgery. The extent of nerve damage depends on the type of surgery performed. However, nerve damage improves within a few months to a year.
  • Abdominal wall weakness: A common complication of DIEP flap surgery is abdominal wall weakness. It may form a bulge or hernia in the abdominal wall. If you develop abdominal wall weakness, you may need surgery to repair the problem.

Risks specific to latissimus dorsi flap surgery

The latissimus dorsi flap is a breast reconstruction surgery that uses skin and muscle from your back to reconstruct your breasts. The most common complications of latissimus dorsi flap surgery include:

  • Nipple and areola loss: Nipple and areola loss is a common complication of latissimus dorsi flap surgery. Doctors usually remove the nipple and areola during the surgery but may not be able to reattach them.
  • Muscle weakness is a common complication of latissimus dorsi flap surgery. The severity of muscle weakness depends on the type of surgery performed. Usually, muscle weakness improves within a few months to a year.
  • Changes in sensation: Changes in sensation are commonly observed after latissimus dorsi flap surgery. Lesser sensations are felt in your nipple and areola, or you may feel no sensation at all. The varied sensation you have depends on the type of surgery performed and the nerves spared during surgery.

 

Risks specific to pedicled flap surgery

Pedicled flap surgery is a surgery that uses skin, fat, and muscle from another area of your body to reconstruct your breasts. The most common complications of pedicle flap surgery include:

  • Nipple and areola loss: Nipple and areola loss is a common complication of pedicled flap surgery. The surgeons usually remove the nipple and areola part during the surgery and may not reattach them.
  • Changes in sensation: Changes in sensation are common after pedicled flap surgery. You may have a minor sensation in your nipple and areola, or you may have no sensation. The amount of sensation you have depends on the type of surgery performed and the nerves spared during surgery.

 

Risks specific to Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) surgery

Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) surgery is a breast reconstruction surgery that uses skin and fat from another body area to rebuild the breast shape after mastectomy (breasts removal). The most common complications of ADM surgery include:

  • Nipple and areola loss: Nipple and areola loss is a common complication of breast reconstruction surgery. The nipple and areola are usually removed during the surgery, which are not reattached.
  • Changes in sensation: Changes in sensation are common after ADM surgery. You may have a slight sensation in your nipple and areola or no sensation at all. The amount of sensation you have depends on the type of surgery performed and the nerves spared during surgery.

 

Risks specific to implant surgery

Implant surgery is a breast reconstruction surgery that uses implants to reconstruct your breasts. The newly placed implant takes the shape of the breast. The most common complications of implant surgery include:

  • Capsular contracture: Capsular contracture is a condition that occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant.

Symptoms of capsular contracture include pain, hardening of the breast, and changes in shape and appearance of the breast. If you develop capsular contracture, you may need surgery to remove the scar tissue formed around the implant.

  • Implant rupture: Implant rupture is a condition that occurs when the implant breaks. Symptoms of implant rupture include pain, hardening of the breast, and changes in shape and appearance of the breast. If you develop an implant rupture, you may need surgery to remove the implant and any scar tissue surrounding it.

 

Risks specific to expanders and implants

Expanders and implants are commonly used devices to reconstruct your breasts. The most frequently seen complications of expanders and implants include:

  • Capsular contracture: Capsular contracture is a condition that occurs when the scar tissue around the expander or implant tightens and squeezes the expander or implant.

Symptoms of capsular contracture include pain, hardening of the breast, and changes in shape and appearance of the breast. If you develop capsular contracture, you may need surgery to remove the scar tissue around the expander or implant.

  • Expander or implant rupture: Expander or implant rupture is a condition that occurs when the expander or implant breaks. This further leads to pain and hardening of the breast and changes in the shape and appearance of the breast.

If you develop an expander or implant rupture, you require surgery to remove the expander or implant and any scar tissue around it.

  • Changes in sensation: Changes in sensation are common after expanders and implants surgery. You may have a minor sensation in your nipple and areola, or you may have no sensation.

The amount of sensation will depend on the type of surgery performed and the nerves spared during surgery.

Not every patient needs to experience all these complications after a certain surgery. If you choose the right surgeon, the chances of risk decrease.

If you have breast cancer and would like to undergo breast reconstruction surgery, you can consult our doctor. Our doctor is one of the best breast oncology surgeon in Mumbai, India. To know more about these surgeries, contact our experts today.

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PROFILE

About Dr. Jay Rashmi Anam

Dr Jay Anam is one of the best surgical oncologists in India. Dr. Jay is breast cancer specialist in mumbai, and he believes in world class cancer care for all his patients.

Dr. Jay Anam focuses on Breast Oncology, and his scope of work includes:

Expertise
  • Breast Cancer surgeries, including Mastectomy, Breast Conservation Surgery, Aesthetic and Cosmetic Breast reconstruction–Oncoplasty to retain breast shape and size during the treatment of breast cancer.
  • Sentinel Node Biopsy to limit the extent of the node dissection in early breast cancers.
  • Sono-Guided and Wire- localized Breast Surgeries for screen-detected Breast Cancers.
  • Flap reconstructions for advanced Breast Cancers.
  • Aesthetic Breast Surgery for benign breast tumours.

Patient Treated By Dr. Jay Anam

People heavily rely on reviews from other patients when choosing a healthcare provider

Dr. Jay Anam is a warm, kind, sympathetic, and brilliant doctor who handles his patients with dignity and respect, in my opinion. He has an incredible talent for motivating his patients and inspiring them to give more than 100% confidence. "Ruma, enjoy this voyage and you will be OK!" he said, and I still remember his words. These words have struck a chord in my heart throughout my wellness voyage, and I am a warrior. Dr. Jay Anam comes across as a terrific friend, and he makes you feel at ease throughout the procedure as if you've known him for years. He is forthcoming and available 24/7 for any queries.

Ruma Chatterjee

Our Patients

I got operated in Nov 2021. The word cancer can be so daunting and brings loads of stress in a patient's life. But i was fortunate that I met the right surgeon - Dr Jay Anam, post meeting him was relaxed and knew I am in safe hands. He explained the surgery in minute detail and patiently answered all my queries. Post surgery outcome was also discussed and nothing was left to guessing. He was on time for the surgery and i have to admit that the cuts and scars are minimal and it was a very clean n neatly done job. Post surgery he was always available on phone for any issue I faced. Post surgery follow up visit was also handled professionally.

Priya Shah

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