Is ChatGPT Smarter Than Your Plastic Surgeon? π§ Let’s Talk Breast Reconstruction /Dr. Ock Jae Jin
Exploring Breast Reconstruction with ChatGPT π¬
by Dr. Jaejin Ok, Plastic Surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Clinic
Hi everyone, this is Dr. Jaejin Ok from The Plastic Surgery Clinic.
These days, most patients do a lot of research before coming in for a consultation.
In the past, people mostly searched on Naver, then YouTube became a go-to source.
And now? Many of you are even turning to ChatGPT for information!
So, I got curious.
How smart is ChatGPT when it comes to breast reconstruction surgery?
Especially for procedures like implant-based breast reconstruction, where there isn’t always a ton of clear information available online.
In this post, I’ll explore the topic together with ChatGPT—checking how accurate the info is, clarifying any misunderstandings, and sharing some insights based on my experience as a plastic surgeon.
So… How Common Is Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction?
According to ChatGPT (and I agree), implant-based reconstruction is one of the most widely performed methods worldwide. ✅
In the U.S., over 70% of breast reconstruction procedures use implants.
In Europe, implant and autologous tissue reconstructions are about evenly split.
And in Korea? It’s on the rise.
Based on what I see, more than 70% of patients here are now opting for implants.
Why Do So Many People Choose Implants?
There are a few good reasons:
Shorter surgery time
Smaller scars
And recently, increased insurance coverage—though in Korea, insurance applies regardless of the reconstruction method, so that part doesn’t really influence the choice here.
One of the main advantages is that implant surgery doesn’t require sacrificing other tissues from your body, which can make recovery a bit easier.
Let’s Talk About Complications π€
It’s totally normal to worry about risks, so let’s go over what ChatGPT lists—and I’ll add some context.
Common complications:
Capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening)
Infection
Bleeding or hematoma
Implant rupture or deformation
Skin necrosis
ALCL (a rare type of lymphoma linked to some implants)
Pretty detailed, right? Honestly, it's a solid summary.
Now, a few points from my perspective:
Capsular Contracture
This is a known risk with any breast implant surgery—both cosmetic and reconstructive.
But it’s slightly more common in reconstruction cases, since the blood supply in the surgical area is often weaker,
especially if the reconstruction is done immediately after mastectomy.
Infection, Bleeding, and Hematoma
These are general surgical risks—not specific to breast implants—and can happen with any procedure.
Implant Rupture
Implants aren’t technically permanent. There’s no set expiration date, but if a rupture occurs down the line, they may need to be replaced. Until then, though, many people live with their original implants for years without any issues.
Skin Necrosis
This is a bit misunderstood. It's not that implants directly cause the skin to die. Rather, during a mastectomy, the remaining skin can sometimes be very thin and poorly supplied with blood. If circulation is compromised, especially when an implant is added, necrosis can occur. It’s more about the condition of the tissue than the implant itself.
Can You Prevent These Complications?
ChatGPT says:
Choose a skilled, experienced surgeon
Consider autologous reconstruction if you’ll undergo radiation therapy
Maintain a healthy lifestyle (no smoking, limit alcohol, etc.)
I completely agree!
Radiation can increase the risk of complications with implants,
so sometimes using your own tissue (like a DIEP flap) may be a better option.
And when implants are used, we often start with a tissue expander to prepare the area before placing the final implant.
I’ll be diving into more advanced questions next—
so stay tuned if you're curious about the finer details of breast reconstruction.
And yes, I’ll keep putting ChatGPT to the test π
#BreastReconstruction
#thePlasticSurgery
#ChatGPTvsDoctor
#ImplantReconstruction
#KPlasticSurgery
#WomenHealth
#BreastCancerRecovery
