Understanding the Risks

All surgery involves risk. Despite the risks of breast reconstruction described below, a large number of women want to go ahead with breast reconstruction as soon as possible. The important thing is that you understand and agree to the risks you're taking.

Risks of breast reconstruction

• Breast reconstruction involves slightly more than a 5% risk of one or more of the following: infection, bleeding, pain, hernia, implant rupture, tissue breakdown (the transplanted tissue does not get adequate blood supply and doesn't thrive).
• If transplanted tissue breaks down because of inadequate blood supply—a rare complication—the dead tissue needs to be trimmed away and the chest area closed. This is yet another operating room procedure under general anesthesia.
• The TRAM flap takes longer and carries more risk than the latissimus dorsi flap.
• The TRAM abdominal incision and removal of the muscle weakens your abdomen. There may be other problems: abdominal wall hernia (when a small portion of the intestine bulges out through a weakened area of the abdominal wall) or persistent pain or discomfort. The risk of developing hernia or infection is less than 5%.
• Transplanted tissue can form lumps called "fat necrosis," which may or may not go away. Lumps in the breast area can cause a lot of anxiety. Some may need to be surgically removed to prove they are not cancerous.
• Any surgical procedure will leave scars. These fade in time in most women, but they don't go away entirely. Scars from mastectomy and reconstruction are generally out of sight, even in a bathing suit or low-cut dress or top.