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Dr. Devinder Singh’s Bio Image

Get answers to your Breast Reconstruction (DIEP Flap) questions.

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Breast reconstruction - natural tissue - Risks

Alternative Names

Transverse rectus abdominous muscle flap; TRAM; Latissimus muscle flap with a breast implant; DIEP flap; Gluteal free flap

Risks:

Risks for any surgery are:

The risks for breast reconstruction with natural tissue are:

  • Loss of sensation around the nipple and areola
  • Noticeable scar
  • One breast is larger than the other (asymmetry of the breasts)
  • Skin loss or chronic wounds on the chest wall

There is also a risk of bleeding into the area where the breast used to be. Sometimes a second operation is needed to control this bleeding.

  • Reviewed last on: 1/26/2011
  • Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Wilhelmi BJ, Phillips LG. Breast reconstruction. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 35.

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