Burn after breast reconstruction

AimsBurns occur rarely after breast reconstruction, and results from loss of sensory and thermoregulatory skin functions. We aimed to investigate the pathophysiological processes leading to these injuries.MethodCases described in the literature are reviewed and discussed. Three cases of burn complicating the outcome of two implants and one autologous breast reconstruction are newly reported.DiscussionThe ineffectiveness of skin thermoregulatory reflexes, caused by different surgical procedures, plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of burns to reconstructed breasts; tissue expansion and radiotherapy are also essential aetiological factors.