After breast reconstruction, most people recover well and are satisfied with their results. But all surgical procedures come with risks. It’s important to understand what could happen and how your care team works with you to help prevent and manage complications.
At Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, your safety is our top priority. Our reconstructive surgeons use advanced techniques and monitor you closely to reduce your risks and support your healing during and after surgery.
Request a consultation to learn more about your personal breast reconstruction risks.
Learn what to expect during recovery and aftercare.
Common surgical risks
Every breast reconstruction involves general surgical risks, such as:
- Infection or delayed healing: These can typically be treated with antibiotics or wound care.
- Bleeding or fluid buildup: You may need drainage to reduce blood or fluid levels.
- Pain, swelling or bruising: These symptoms are usually normal and they get better over time.
- Reactions to anesthesia: Close monitoring during surgery can reduce this risk.
- Blood clots: Clots are rare and you can minimize your risk with movement and preventive care.
Following your recovery and aftercare instructions helps lower these risks and supports smooth healing.
Risks with implant-based reconstruction
If your reconstruction includes breast implants, potential complications may include:
- Capsular contracture: If scar tissue forms around the implant, it can feel firm or change shape.
- Implant rupture or leak: A rupture or leak could happen over time. If so, you may need a replacement implant or revision surgery.
- Implant movement or asymmetry: If your implant moves or your breasts don’t look balanced, you may need follow-up surgery.
- Rippling or visible edges: These can be more common in thinner patients or after radiation therapy.
Your surgeon will help you choose the right implant size and type to reduce these risks. Hybrid reconstruction, which combines implants with your own tissue, may also help reduce these possible complications.
Risks with tissue flap reconstruction
If you use their own abdominal or back tissue for breast reconstruction, which is called autologous reconstruction, risks may include:
- Flap failure: This happens when the transferred tissue doesn’t get enough blood flow. Flap failure is rare and usually detected early.
- Fat necrosis: Limited blood circulations causes small firm spots to form under the skin.
- Donor site complications: The area of the abdomen or back where tissue was removed could develop weakness, hernia or delayed healing.
- Longer recovery time: It could take longer for you to heal because you have multiple areas that need to recover after surgery.
Your surgeon will talk to you about these risks and take steps to protect your blood flow and make sure you recover and heal well.
Changes in sensation and appearance
It’s common to experience some changes after surgery, such as:
- Numbness in the breast or donor site, which could be temporary or permanent
- Minor differences in breast symmetry or firmness over time
- Scars that fade but are still visible
These changes are normal and often improve as your body continues to heal.
Talk with your care team if you have cosmetic concerns or would like to know more about future adjustments or revision surgery.
If you’re still figuring out which breast reconstruction option best fits your goals, learn more at deciding what’s right for you.
Reducing your risk
You can take steps before and after surgery to help lower your risk of complications:
- Choose a board-certified reconstructive surgeon experienced in microsurgery
- Follow all of your pre- and post-surgery instructions
- Avoid smoking
- Manage chronic conditions like diabetes
- Attend all of your follow-up appointments
- Contact your care team at the first sign of swelling, redness or pain
Learn more about care after surgery in recovery and aftercare.
When to contact your care team
Call your surgeon’s office right away if you have possible signs of infection after breast reconstruction such as:
- Fever higher than 100.4°F
- Redness, drainage or swelling at incision sites that’s getting worse
- Pain that isn’t improving or is getting worse
- Sudden swelling, firmness or change in your breast size
- Sudden or unexpected changes in drain output
Getting care right away helps prevent small issues from becoming more serious.
Why choose Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center
At Banner MD Anderson, our compassionate, dedicated team of reconstructive surgeons, nurses and oncology specialists are focused on your care. Our goal is to help you heal safely, comfortably and confidently.
You can count on us for:
- Expert microsurgical and implant reconstruction care
- Continuous monitoring and personalized follow-up care after surgery
- Rehabilitation programs dedicated to your recovery
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