Breast reconstruction is a commonly performed treatment, and while the large majority of these procedures are performed with no complications, you should be aware of the risks. Dr. Markus will gladly answer any questions you may have and address all of your concerns.

Possible complications include:

Infection. Infections are a complication that may arise after any surgery, but they are generally localized and readily treatable. To decrease the chance of infection, Dr. Markus prescribes antibiotics for all patients after surgery. If an infection occurs and does not respond to antibiotics, any implant may have to be removed and another put in its place after the infection has cleared.

Dissatisfaction with final cosmetic results. In breast reconstruction surgery, it is virtually impossible to obtain a perfect match of the shape, volume, and position of the breasts and areolas. In fact, most women's breasts are not naturally symmetrical. After the surgery you may notice some asymmetry, implant displacement, incorrect size, unanticipated shape, wrinkling, and scar deformity or hypertrophy.

Implant deflation/rupture. Breast implants can leak through a valve or through a break in the shell itself. Dr. Markus uses only saline-filled implants which is a silicone rubber shell filled with sterile saltwater. In the unlikely event that an implant deflates, your body will absorb the totally harmless saltwater. Deflated implants must be removed and can be replaced if desired.

Hematoma/Seroma. Hematoma is a collection of blood inside a body cavity; seroma is a collection of the watery portion of blood. If either of these occurs around the implant, they may contribute to infection or other complications. The body eventually absorbs small hematomas and seromas, while large ones require surgery to drain the accumulated fluid.

Capsular Contracture. A capsule or scar tissue normally forms around an implant; if it tightens and squeezes the implant that is referred to as capsular contracture. This may be more common following an infection, hematoma or seroma and is more common with subglandular placement. The symptoms of capsular contracture range from firmness of the breast and mild discomfort to pain, distortion, and palpability of the implant and implant displacement. If symptoms are severe additional surgery will be necessary.

Pain. Breast reconstruction surgery can result in some minor pain. If you experience severe pain you should notify Dr. Markus.

Interference with mammography. After breast reconstruction routine mammography will be more difficult, requiring additional views of each breast (meaning the screening will take longer and you will be exposed to more radiation). Also, because the breast is squeezed during mammography, it is possible for an implant to rupture during the procedure.

Calcium deposits. Calcium deposits can form around the implant and be mistaken for possible cancer. If this results in additional investigative procedures such as biopsy or surgery, the implant may have to be removed.

Partial or complete flap loss. With the flap reconstruction procedure there is a small risk of losing a part of the flap or, much more rarely, losing the entire flap.