Breast Reconstruction is undertaken for cosmetic and corrective purposes. Though breast reconstruction is associated with very few complications, its application during pregnancy is usually not advisable. The following reasons explain the incompatibility of breast reconstruction with pregnancy:
Breastfeeding Complications
Most clinics performing breast augmentation claim that breastfeeding isn't affected by the surgery. Though this is largely true, many plastic surgeons advise women to undertake the surgery after their pregnancy. This is because the surgery can induce side-effects like scar tissue formation or other irregularities that might make it difficult for the baby to ingest the mother’s milk.
This presents a high risk for the health of the baby. Similarly, the breast tissue may be overtly tender or a bit infected during the post-surgical period, making it difficult for the mother to feed. This can also creates undue psychological issues for a mother, unable to breastfeed her baby.
Anesthesia-Related Complications
Many women are vulnerable to anesthesia. Since breast reconstruction is performed under conventional dosage of anesthesia, it is not recommended to pregnant women with a history of anesthesia incompatibility. Among pregnant women, the effects of anesthesia can be more disastrous wherein the reduced respiratory rate of the mother might affect the developing womb.
Chances of Redundant Breast Reconstruction
This is applicable to all pregnant women seeking breast reconstruction. Please note that during pregnancy, the mammary ducts develop significantly due to the increased hormonal concentration. Thus, there is a likelihood of the breasts naturally developing a bigger, augmented form, i.e. without breast reconstruction.
Even if reconstruction is not sought for augmentation purposes, the increasing breast tissues can undo the sutures or radically upset the aesthetical balance created by the plastic surgeon, making the breast reconstruction surgery redundant.
Emotional Complications
Women approaching pregnancy or those who are pregnant are bound to suffer from some degree of hormonal changes. It is usually seen that such women tend to be emotionally reactive. An integral part of breast reconstruction is the psychological maturity with which the patient handles the post-surgical period.
This healing period needs the patient to be in a positive frame of mind and the ability to self-assess symptoms to ensure that the progress is as per the expectations. It is likely that women undergoing hormonal surges may not be able to provide a clear perspective during this critical period.
