Generally a woman goes in for breast reconstruction because she has lost a breast or two due to a disease, mostly cancer. The breast would have been removed and she needs a reconstructed one. This is a long procedure taking about six months for the complete procedure. There can be complications at any stage and she needs to know what complications may arise. The good part is that there are more sophisticated methods of reconstruction and hence fewer complications. The techniques have improved, the quality of implants and tissue expanders are better but even then the patient should be aware of the complications that may arise.
There may be some pain and discomfort during the procedure. As it is a long one, the pain or the discomfort may happen anytime like after introduction of tissue expander or after getting injected with the liquid. Pain and discomfort is associated with any surgical procedure and there are always painkillers to counteract this. The patient may find it difficult to move the arm on the side where surgery has been done. Especially if some lymph glands have been removed during the mastectomy. But she should continue using the arm. She may have problems with the anesthesia or there may be a collection of fluids under the wound or she may have a thick scar formation.
The wound could get infected if proper care is not taken or if medicines are not taken. Antibiotics have to be taken to cure the infection or if there is an implant, the surgeon might have to remove the implant to treat the infection. There may be redness or change in color over the breast or the scar area or the patient might be running a temperature. The doctor should be informed immediately so that action can be taken. Itching is one of the most common problems as it happens when the wound is healing. Itching will go away once the wound is healed. If the patient scratches, the wound may get worse or even get infected and if she doesn’t she is uncomfortable. There could be tingling in the arm on the side of the implant or there can be numbness. This too may go away with time but if it doesn’t the doctor has to be informed.
If she has had the TRAM type of breast reconstruction there may be another wound on her abdomen, which, besides itching or pain, may also cause problems when bending or stretching. Holding a supportive hand over the wound when bending will help. Knowledge of what complications can occur will help as she can be better equipped to handle it. |
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