Is Breast reconstruction a cause of a hernia?

[kazeez]

I actually have many questions.  First, I had a double mastectomy almost 3 years ago with just an expander and silicone implants. Cancer had occurred 3 times, 2 times on the right and once on the left, so I decided to do a double mastectomy. I am still not finished the completion of reconstruction, as the one breast is off center and lower then the other one, and also has a dent in it.  I don't know if I should be satisfied with it, or if it can be fixed, before I more on to nipple construction and tattoos. Besides that, now I have a hernia in the left groin area and would almost like to have it taken care of at the same time as the breast work, as I would lie to limit the amount of times I get anestesias, as I have had some many surgeries. Also, could the hernia be related to the breast reconstruction? Also, a doctor suggested just a tatoo with no nipple. Personally, I would prefer the nipple, but are there problems with that? Perhaps the nipple construction would get rid of the dent?

[Archibald S Miller III, MD,FACS]

The dent is likely at the top of your breast. If so, then this is a problem that happens because of the breast removal. One needs to fill in that area with some tissue. A dermal fat graft works nicely and gives a very good soft contour.
There is no connection with an inguinal hernia and tissue expansion.
The nipple reconstruction can fail with the nipple flattening out, but usually does well. I routinely tattoo the areola, then the nipple two months later. The appearance is very acceptable.

         arch s miller ms md facs

[charmako]

How safe is breast reconstruction?  And how long will the healing process take?
breast reconstruction