What to expect from reconstructed breasts Recent advances in breast reconstruction techniques have made it possible to create realistic breast shapes. However, it is important not to assume that reconstructed breasts are exactly the same as normal breasts, and if you do, you may be disappointed with the results. First of all, the surface of the reconstructed breast will leave different degrees and shapes of scarring depending on how the mastectomy was performed. With breast reconstruction using autologous tissue, the sensation of the skin takes 10 months to 1 year to gradually recover after surgery, but it does not return to normal completely and varies from person to person. There is no normal sexual sensation in the reconstructed nipple. Breastfeeding is a function of the mammary gland, and reconstruction is simply a morphological reconstruction, so there is no breastfeeding function in reconstructed breasts. What are the complications of surgery Breast reconstruction, like any surgery, is subject to anesthetic accidents, infection or hematoma. In addition to this, the main complications that can occur with autologous breast reconstruction are impaired circulation to the flap, leading to tissue necrosis. With a tipped transfer, complete necrosis is usually not present, but partial necrosis may occur. More common is partial liquefaction of the fat or the formation of hard nodes for a short period of time that will slowly disappear with time. In general, patients who have diabetes, smoke, or receive high doses of radiation are prone to complications. Does the use of lower abdominal tissue for breast reconstruction affect the abdomen? The abdominal wall has many layers, and the surgery only removes part of the skin and fat of the abdominal wall and part of the rectus abdominis muscle without entering the abdominal cavity, so as long as the repair is done properly, there will not be much impact on the abdomen. To prevent excessive tension on the abdomen, the abdomen should be kept in a flexed position after surgery, and the abdomen should be bandaged with pressure to prevent coughing and constipation. Gradually get out of bed 4 days after surgery and walk upright after 2 weeks. Wear elastic binding pants for 3 months to 6 months after surgery. The literature reports that pregnancy and spontaneous delivery are still possible after lower abdominal tissue breast reconstruction. Does breast reconstruction using back tissue have any effect on upper limb activities After surgery, the upper limb is braked for a short period of time, and after the exudation stops and the wound basically heals, the functional exercise of the upper limb is strengthened. Due to the role of other muscles, the excision of the latissimus dorsi does not generally cause functional impairment, but it has a greater impact on athletes such as swimmers and tennis players. Breast prosthesis is dangerous to the body Because of the suspicion that silicone gel prosthesis will lead to autoimmune diseases, in January 1992 the U.S. FDA banned the application of silicone gel prosthesis, and in April of the same year approved silicone gel breast prosthesis can be used in breast reconstruction, in 1999 the U.S. National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine research report shows that: silicone gel prosthesis will not lead to systemic diseases, will not increase the chance of breast cancer. Some studies have even shown a decrease in the incidence of breast cancer in people who received silicone gel implants, and that the main problems that may arise are local complications that are not life-threatening. Local complications include implant rupture, contracture, infection and pain. Will the reconstructed breast change? The reconstructed breast with autologous tissue initially contains some muscle tissue and is slightly larger than the healthy side, and after 2 to 3 months the muscle atrophies and the shape gradually stabilizes and symmetrically. The change in the shape of the reconstructed breast in response to weight changes varies from person to person. It is generally believed that, like normal breasts, it changes with changes in body weight such as obesity or wasting. In actual clinical practice, reconstructed breasts begin to increase in size in patients who gain more than 6 kg after surgery. Do you need a second surgery after breast reconstruction The ultimate goal of breast reconstruction is to create symmetrical, perfectly shaped and attractive breasts. The second surgery is performed to reconstruct the nipple and areola. If the reconstructed breast is not symmetrical at this time, some minor adjustments such as scar revision, local fat aspiration, or removal of a portion of excess fat through the original incision are required, which is much easier compared to the first surgery, both of which are outpatient procedures, but also important for breast reconstruction.