Can breast reconstruction be done immediately after mastectomy?

Can breast reconstruction be done immediately after mastectomy?

Breast reconstruction can be done at the same time as the mastectomy (“immediate”) or at a later date (“delayed”). Many women now get immediate breast reconstruction.

What possible complications of breast reconstruction surgery should be considered?

Possible problems with breast reconstruction

• Blood clots. After surgery, you’re at risk of blood clots developing in your legs.
• Wound infection.
• Fluid under the wound (seroma)
• Flap failure.
• Loss of sensitivity.
• Hardening and changing shape of the implant.
• Leakage of the implant fluid.
• Unequal breasts.

What is the complication after the mastectomy?

Complications after total mastectomy include the following: Risk of local recurrence (5-10%) Wound infection. Seroma.

How painful is a mastectomy and reconstruction?

Recovering from a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery at once may be more uncomfortable in the short-term. But in the long-term, it may be less stressful and painful than multiple surgeries.

What is skin necrosis after mastectomy?

The skin may have been thinned too much when tissue was removed during the mastectomy. When there isn’t enough blood flow to the skin, portions of the skin on one or both breasts can wither and scab. This breakdown of tissue is called “necrosis.”

How do you prevent necrosis after mastectomy?

Skin flap necrosis is a common complication after mastectomy and breast reconstruction. It has been proven that nitroglycerin ointment, as a topical vasodilator, can decrease the rate of skin flap necrosis after mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

What is axillary web syndrome?

Background: Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a poorly understood but common cause of significant morbidity after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer. It is characterized by painful scar tissue formation and contracture extending from the axilla down the medial arm which limits shoulder and arm mobility.

What causes swelling after mastectomy?

How Lymphedema Happens. During surgery for cancer, nearby lymph nodes are often removed. This disrupts the flow of lymph, which can lead to swelling. This is lymphedema.

Who is a candidate for immediate breast reconstruction?

Cancer stage: In general, women diagnosed with stage I or some stage II breast cancers who choose mastectomy based on a biopsy are less likely to need radiation or other treatments after mastectomy and are often good candidates for immediate reconstruction.