Angela Onwuzoo
An Associate Professor at the Plastic Surgery Unit, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Bolaji Mofikoya, says there is no scientific evidence that plastic surgery causes breast cancer.
He, however, said the procedure of breast reduction (in women with very large breasts) has the possibility of affecting the sensation of the nipple area, thereby, impairing breastfeeding.
But researchers say breast reconstruction proceeding carries risk, regardless of the type of surgery.
According to them, from fat grafting, to flap placement, to implants, there is no guarantee that reconstruction will not stimulate breast cancer recurrence.
Speaking exclusively with Reportr Door Healthwise, Prof. Mofikoya, the plastic surgeon, noted that the immediate risks of the procedure of breast reduction include bleeding excessively from the surgery site, and varying degrees of tissue necrosis (death), which may lead to wound breakdown as well as infection.
He warned that undergoing a cosmetic procedure should not be taken lightly.
“There is no scientific evidence that plastic surgery causes breast cancer. The procedure of breast reduction (in women with very large breasts) has the possibility of affecting the sensation of the nipple area thereby impairing breastfeeding.
“But this is not in every woman. Breast enlargement (augmentation mammoplasty) usually does not affect breastfeeding ability. Like every other surgical procedure, it is important to be aware of the risks of exposure to anaesthesia”, he said.
Prof. Mofikoya pointed out that some women who have had breast reduction surgery might experience difficulty in initiating breastfeeding, adding, “I must, however, emphasize that the risk of these are low for properly selected patients in the hands of a trained plastic surgeon.
“My advice to anyone seeking cosmetic procedure is to research the procedure, research the personnel (don’t believe everything you read on the internet).
“They should also find out about the facility and the anaesthesia and anaesthetist staff. Know about your health status. Ask the personnel if the procedure you want is suitable and safe for you.”
Prof. Mofikoya affirmed that cosmetic procedures when done on the right person, by a trained professional team, in the right centre are usually safe.
He counselled, however,”Please always ask questions, ask about recuperation times, ask the dos and the don’ts after surgery.”
In a 2018 study published in an online journal, PubMed Central, the researchers said clinical studies have not shown a clear link between breast cancer recurrence and reconstructive surgery.
They observed that surgical caution surrounding breast cancer reconstruction is understandable and rational.
According to them, breast implants carry the risk of cancer development in healthy patients, lending natural concern to the field of cancer reconstruction by implants.
“Adverse events following reconstruction, such as hematomas, wound dehiscence, implant failure, and skin necrosis, can compromise the success of breast reconstruction.
“Patients are not guaranteed ‘safe’ from these complications. However, the complication of cancer recurrence seems to arise independent of reconstructive procedures.
“Breast reconstruction proceeding cancer treatment carries risk, regardless of the type of surgery. From fat grafting to flap placement, to implants, there is no guarantee that reconstruction will not stimulate breast cancer recurrence”, the researchers said.
Copyright Reportr Door
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from Reportr Door.
Contact: [email protected]
