Breast augmentation surgery is a common procedure performed by plastic surgeons to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. While it’s important to note that there are no guarantees when it comes to any cosmetic procedure, breast augmentation surgery is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon.
There are many factors that go into determining whether or not a particular patient is a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery, including age and health history. It’s important for prospective patients to make sure they are fully educated on the risks associated with any surgical procedure before making any decisions about their own treatment plans.
In what ways may things go awry
There are a number of potential complications that might arise with breast implants.
scarring that is thick and obvious, a hard breast from scar tissue contracting around the implant (capsular contracture), a ruptured implant (which may cause small tender lumps (siliconomas) only visible on breast scans; the implant will need to be removed), creases or folds in the implant, the implant rotating within the breast, resulting in an abnormal shape, and rippling of the implant. nerve difficulties in the nipples, which may become more sensitive, less sensitive, or entirely numb; inability to breastfeed or production of slightly less breast milk than you would without implants; this can be temporary or permanent if the tissue covering the implant is too thin.
The same goes for every kind of procedure, which always has a chance of:
Infection (very unusual, but potentially fatal due to blood clots): Always treat with antibiotics if it leads to bleeding or clotting. response to antibiotics or latex gloves, two common surgical allergens The likelihood of these issues and the methods used to treat them should be explained in further detail by your surgeon.
Implant Complications
The following is a list of local complications and adverse outcomes that occur in at least 1 percent of breast implant patients at any time. You may need non-surgical treatments or additional surgeries to treat any of these, and you should discuss any complication and necessary treatment with your doctor. These complications are listed alphabetically, not in order of how often they occur.
Complication
Description
Asymmetry
The breasts are uneven in appearance in terms of size, shape or breast level.
Breast Pain
Pain in the nipple or breast area
Breast Tissue Atrophy
Thinning and shrinking of the skin
Calcification/Calcium Deposits
Hard lumps under the skin around the implant. These can be mistaken for cancer during mammography, resulting in additional surgery.
Capsular Contracture
Tightening of the tissue capsule around an implant, resulting in firmness or hardening of the breast and squeezing of the implant if severe.
Chest Wall Deformity
Chest wall or underlying rib cage appears deformed.
Deflation
Leakage of the saltwater (saline) solution from a saline-filled breast implant, often due to a valve leak or a tear or cut in the implant shell (rupture), with partial or complete collapse of the implant.
Delayed Wound Healing
Incision site fails to heal normally or takes longer to heal.
Extrusion
The skin breaks down and the implant appears through the skin.
Hematoma
Collection of blood near the surgical site. May cause swelling, bruising and pain. Hematomas usually occur soon after surgery, but can occur any time there is injury to the breast. The body may absorb small hematomas, but large ones may require medical intervention, such as surgical draining.
Iatrogenic Injury/Damage
Injury or damage to tissue or implant as a result of implant surgery
Infection, including Toxic Shock Syndrome
Occurs when wounds are contaminated with microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi. Most infections resulting from surgery appear within a few days to a week, but infection is possible any time after surgery. If an infection does not respond to antibiotics, the implant may need to be removed
Inflammation/Irritation
Response by the body to an infection or injury. Demonstrated by redness, swelling, warmth, pain and or/loss of function.
Lymphedema or Lymphadenopathy
Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes
Malposition/Displacement
The implant is not in the correct position in the breast. This can happen during surgery or afterwards if the implant moves or shifts from its original location. Shifting can be caused by factors such as gravity, trauma or capsular contracture.
Necrosis
Dead skin or tissue around the breast. Necrosis can be caused by infection, use of steroids in the surgical breast pocket, smoking, chemotherapy/radiation, and excessive heat or cold therapy.
Nipple/Breast Sensation Changes
An increase or decrease in the feeling in the nipple and/or breast. Can vary in degree and may be temporary or permanent. May affect sexual response or breast feeding.
Palpability
The implant can be felt through the skin.
Ptosis
Breast sagging that is usually the result of normal aging, pregnancy or weight loss.
Redness/Bruising
Bleeding at the time of surgery can cause the skin to change color. This is an expected symptom due to surgery, and is likely temporary.
Rupture
A tear or hole in the implant’s outer shell.
Seroma
Collection of fluid around the implant. May cause swelling, pain and bruising. The body may absorb small seromas. Large ones will require a surgical drain.
Skin Rash
A rash on or around the breast.
Unsatisfactory Style/Size
Patient or doctor is not satisfied with the overall look based on the style or size of the implant used.
Visibility
The implant can be seen through the skin.
Wrinkling/Rippling
Wrinkling of the implant that can be felt or seen through the skin.
