Breast Augmentation Risks Are Rare When You Choose An Experienced Surgeon
Although complications are rare, breast augmentation surgery comes with a number of risks, including capsular contracture, implant rippling, and infection. With over 30 years of surgical experience, Dr. Madhukar G. Chhatre in Kansas City, MO, knows how to minimize these uncommon breast augmentation risks and prevent the need for surgical revisions. By selecting Summit Plastic Surgery & Med Spa for your breast augmentation, you will receive individualized care of the highest quality.
Risks Following Breast Augmentation
In addition to selecting an experienced surgeon, you can further diminish the risks associated with breast augmentation surgery by carefully reviewing your medical history and medication list with your doctor prior to your procedure. You should also ask Dr. Chhatre any questions you may have about breast augmentation to ensure you fully understand all possible risks. You should immediately report any uncommon symptoms to your doctor.
Capsular Contracture
As the body heals from breast augmentation surgery, scar tissue, known as a capsule, forms around the implant. If the implant is above the chest muscle, the scar tissue could tighten, putting pressure on the implant and causing pain and discomfort. Eventually, the breast implant could become hard, which could make the breast appear distorted. In some cases, capsular contract could require additional surgery to correct the problem.
Implant Rupture
Silicone and saline breast implants both have the potential to leak or rupture. When silicone breast implants rupture, the problem may go unnoticed, so regular MRIs may be recommended to detect this issue. Saline breast implants deflate rapidly following rupture, which, while readily noticeable to the patient, is not dangerous.
Implant Rippling
If the breast implant appears distorted in any way, whether bumpy, wrinkled, or creased, this is known as implant rippling. Silicone-gel and smooth-surfaced implants are less likely to produce such an issue.
After any surgery, patients can expect a number of side effects. These are typically not dangerous and will improve on their own over time.
Infection
Infection is a risk of any kind of surgery, including breast augmentation. The first signs of infection following breast implant surgery are fever and inflammation at the surgical site. Breasts may also feel tender to the touch. Infection typically occurs during the first six weeks following the surgery. Infection may lead to capsular contracture.
Patients can minimize the potential for infection after breast implant surgery by avoiding submersion of the surgical sites in water. In addition, patients should refrain from applying any kind of topical irritant near the surgical sites, such a lotions, creams, or deodorants.
Hematoma
A hematoma, an accumulation of blood beneath the skin also known as a bruise, is another possible complication of breast implant surgery. While some bruising is normal in most patients, excessive bruising can lead to infection and capsular contracture and may require draining by the surgeon.
Temporary Side Effects Following Breast Augmentation
After any surgery, patients can expect a number of side effects. These are typically not dangerous and will improve on their own over time. In general, following surgery with anesthesia, you can expect to experience soreness and fatigue. Other common side effects include:
Settling
Breast implants may take time to settle into a natural appearance after surgery, a process that occurs over the course of a few weeks to a few months. The patient should give the body time to heal and adjust, but it is also reasonable to reach out to the surgeon with any concerns.
Swelling
After surgery, inflammation may occur in the region around the breasts and extend down into the abdomen. To help alleviate swelling, patients should sleep in a reclining position.
Bruising
After breast augmentation, bruising is normal, especially around the breasts and even down into the abdominal area. Bruising typically improves within one to two weeks following surgery.
Scarring
While scarring is a predictable side effect of breast implant surgery, its visibility can be minimized by careful incision placement, such as in the crease of the breast or around the areola. Scars may take up to a year to fade. Dr. Chhatre may be able to recommend a topical cream to expedite healing.
Change In Sensation
A change in sensation around the nipples is an anticipated consequence of breast implant surgery, with nipples often becoming either numb or hypersensitive. While changes in sensation can be permanent in a few cases, normal sensation typically returns within a few months.
Contact Us Today
If you are interested in the benefits of breast augmentation, or you would like to learn more about breast augmentation risks, schedule a consultation. You can contact us online or call 816.347.0026 .
