For expanders and implants no new incision is used because the original mastectomy scar is reopened. All surgery requires a scar and all scars take time to soften and fade. You will not see the final appearance of your scar for a year after surgery. It is usually red and raised for the first month or two after your operation. Most of the time this is an outpatient operation and a stay in the hospital is not needed.
All operations have some risk.
Your surgeon will explain the operation you choose in more detail. The risks of surgery are divided into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or special for this operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling. Most people are back to work within a week or two, although some flap surgery may take much longer.