Breast reconstruction, as an important postoperative repair method for breast cancer, can significantly improve the patient's physical shape and psychological state. However, the occurrence of postoperative complications has a significant impact on the patient's recovery and quality of life. Clinically, these potential risks need to be fully recognized and prevented to improve the safety and efficacy of surgery.
1. Infection
Infection is a common complication after breast reconstruction. The incidence rate varies depending on the surgical method and individual patient differences. Postoperative infection is mainly manifested by local redness, swelling, heat, pain, and exudation. In severe cases, systemic infection symptoms may occur. The causes of infection include lax aseptic operation of the surgical wound, residual foreign matter during surgery (such as prostheses), and low immune function of the patient. The key to preventing infection lies in strict aseptic operation, rational use of antibiotics after surgery, close observation of the incision, and early detection and timely treatment of signs of infection.
2. Prosthesis-related complications
Implantation of prosthesis is one of the common methods of breast reconstruction, but prosthesis-related complications cannot be ignored. Prosthesis capsular contracture is the most common problem, which is manifested by abnormal proliferation of fibrous tissue around the prosthesis, causing breast hardening, deformation and even pain. The mechanism of capsular contracture is not yet fully understood and may be related to local inflammatory response, prosthesis surface material and patient constitution. Treatment methods include drug therapy, physical massage and secondary surgery to replace the prosthesis when necessary.
In addition, one should also be vigilant against prosthesis rupture and leakage. Leakage of prosthesis contents after rupture may cause local inflammatory reaction or granuloma formation, which requires a clear diagnosis through imaging examinations, and the prosthesis should be removed or replaced if necessary.
3. Hematoma and Lymphoma
Postoperative hematoma is the accumulation of blood due to incomplete bleeding during surgery or rupture of blood vessels after surgery, which manifests as local swelling, pain and skin color changes. Hematoma not only affects the appearance of the breast, but may also induce infection. Lymphedema is fluid accumulation caused by lymphatic vessel damage or lymphatic drainage disorder, which is common in patients with axillary lymph node dissection. Preventive measures include complete bleeding during surgery, reasonable drainage after surgery and avoidance of strenuous activities. For hematoma and lymphedema, mild cases can be observed, and severe cases require timely drainage.
4. Skin necrosis and poor wound healing
Breast reconstruction surgery requires a high blood supply to the skin, especially during flap surgery. Skin necrosis is tissue necrosis caused by insufficient local blood flow, which manifests as discoloration and shedding of the incision edge. In severe cases, it may affect the effectiveness of the operation. Poor wound healing may be caused by excessive tension, infection or poor nutritional status. Measures to prevent skin necrosis include reasonable flap design, avoiding excessive traction and maintaining local blood circulation. When necrosis occurs, timely debridement should be performed and secondary repair should be performed if necessary.
5. Abnormal sensation
Postoperative sensory abnormalities include numbness, tingling, and decreased sensation, which are common in nerve damage. During breast reconstruction, the nerve fibers in the breast skin and flap may be severed, resulting in partial loss of sensory function. Although some patients may recover over time, some still have long-term sensory impairment. Informing patients of this risk before surgery and protecting nerve tissue as much as possible during surgery will help reduce the incidence of this complication.
6. Scars and poor appearance
Postoperative scars are inevitable. Some patients may experience scar hyperplasia, hypertrophy, or even keloids, which affect their appearance and psychological state. Abnormal scars are mainly related to personal constitution, postoperative care, and surgical techniques. Poor appearance includes asymmetric breast size and unnatural shape, which may be caused by improper prosthesis positioning, flap displacement, or weight changes. Reasonable scar management and necessary repair surgery after surgery can improve the appearance.
7. Dysfunction
Some patients may experience limited shoulder joint movement or upper limb dysfunction after surgery, especially when accompanied by axillary lymph node dissection. Lymphedema, scar adhesion and pain can all lead to dysfunction. Postoperative rehabilitation training, physical therapy and early functional exercise are extremely important for restoring shoulder function.
8. Psychological Impact
Although breast reconstruction can help improve the patient's self-image, postoperative complications and the complexity of the treatment process may cause psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Adequate psychological counseling before surgery and supportive treatment after surgery play a positive role in the patient's overall recovery.
9. Other rare complications
These complications include prosthesis migration, granuloma formation around the implant, and rare lymphoma. These complications are often discovered during long-term follow-up and require vigilance and regular examinations.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
There are many complications after breast reconstruction, including infection, prosthesis problems, hematoma, skin necrosis, paresthesia and scar formation. Clinically, an individualized prevention and treatment plan should be formulated according to the patient's specific situation. Adequate preoperative evaluation, standardized intraoperative operation and close postoperative follow-up are the key to reducing the occurrence of complications. Patients also need to maintain good living habits and cooperate with rehabilitation treatment to promote the sustained and stable effect of the surgery.