Burn after breast reconstruction.

AIMS: Burns 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.

METHOD: Cases 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.

DISCUSSION: The 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.