| |

Breast Implant Complications
There are many post-operative breast implant complications which can affect patients undergoing
breast enlargement surgery.
Although breast implants are a safe means of augmenting breast size, they still must be positioned in the body by surgery. It is the actual surgical procedure which carries most inherent risks of receiving
breast implants,
rather than the implant themselves…

Surgical Breast Implant Complications
Although
breast augmentation
is not an overly invasive or complicated operation, it is still a full surgical procedure. The patient will be placed under general anesthetic, which in itself is a risk factor. Some patients must be monitored carefully while under anesthesia, due to pre-existing health conditions which might increase their chances of suffering unwanted side effects of the anesthetic. The
cosmetic surgeon
must perform the operation with great accuracy and must be very careful not to damage sensitive tissues inside the breast. If the surgeon accidentally cuts or compresses a nerve, blood vessel or glandular structure, serious permanent effects can result. In addition, the surgeon must use care when creating the pocket for the breast implant. Too little dissection can constrain the implant leading to visible
wrinkling and rippling
which might ruin the final breast aesthetic. Too much dissection can lead to more serious complications such as
bottoming out
of the implant or
synmastia.
Post-operative Breast Implant Complications
After surgery, it is the patient’s job to follow the directions of their surgeon closely. Patients will be responsible for taking medicines, utilizing a
compression garment
and maintaining their lifestyle according to advice from their doctor. Patients must not rush the healing process and push themselves to do too much too soon. Patients should also not lie around inactive everyday, since this will slow the metabolism and cause considerable negative effects on the
recovery
process. Patients must be especially careful in maintaining good hygiene practices to make sure their
incisions
stay clean, dry and undisturbed. As soon as the surgical wounds have closed up, it is advisable to begin any scar reduction methods you are considering using. The sooner you start
breast scar reduction,
the better the final results will be…
Warning Signs of Breast Implant Complications
There are a number of potentially serious health conditions which should be watched for immediately after implant surgery.
Risks
for most of these conditions will decrease steadily as the healing process progresses. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or emergency room:
* Incisions which open up and bleed.
* Incisions which have a foul smell.
* Incision or
nipple
discharge. * Hematoma or seroma formation. * Sudden severe pain. * Redness around the operation site. * Heat in the incisions. * Abnormal or sudden fluid accumulation in the surgical site. * Drug side effects (dizziness, lightheadedness or fatigue). * Sudden implant deflation or
rupture.
* Fever, chills, flu-like symptoms.
Advice on Breast Implant Complications
Most women who undergo cosmetic
breast enhancement
procedures experience no surgical complications. Serious problems affect only a small percentage of women who carefully plan their operations using the best doctor and the best surgical options for their individual needs. Avoiding post-operative difficulties can only be achieved in partnership with your doctor. You must trust that you have hired the best surgeon for the job, who will make sure to do everything right during your operation. After surgery, you must be vigilant to do everything you can to insure that your wounds will heal quickly and completely, without any complications which could jeopardize your final results. Breast augmentation is not rocket science, but it does require planning and commitment. If you take the time to understand your options and make your decisions wisely, you have a far greater chance of actually acquiring the
breasts
you dream about. Talk to your doctor about any specific complications which might present themselves given your particular health circumstances. Share your own breast improvement story at our Breast Plastic Surgery Interactive Forum
Breast Implant Complications to Breast Enlargement & Breast Lift Home
12/16/07 Revised 3/8/08

|