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Updated: Oct 10, 2025
Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
BMI Specific Complications Following Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy
Helena Sophie Leitner1, Reinhard Pauzenberger1,2, Ines Ana Ederer3
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
Background:
Breast reconstruction has a positive impact on body image and quality of life for women after experiencing the physically and psychologically demanding process of mastectomy. Previous studies have presented body mass index (BMI) as a predictor for postoperative complications after breast reconstruction, however, study results vary. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the impact of patients' BMI on postoperative complications following implant-based breast reconstruction.
Methods:
All implant-based breast reconstructions performed at the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna from January 2001 to March 2018 were evaluated. A total of 196 reconstructed breasts among 134 patients met eligibility criteria. Demographic data, surgical techniques, as well as major and minor complications within a one-year follow-up period were analyzed.
Results:
Patients' BMI did not show a significant impact on complication rates. The overall incidence of postoperative complications was 30.5% (40/131) of which 17.6% required reoperation. Impaired wound healing (18.3%), seroma (6.1%), hematoma (4.6%), capsular contraction (4.6%) and infection (3.8%) were the most common complications.
Conclusion:
In our study cohort, BMI was not associated with a significantly higher risk of complications. However, postoperative complications significantly increased with a longer operative time and resulted in an extended length of hospital stay.
