There are many post-operative breast implant complications which can affect patients undergoing breast enlargement surgery. Although breast implants are a relatively safe means of augmenting breast size, they still must be positioned in the body by invasive surgery. It is the actual surgical procedure which carries most inherent risks of receiving breast implants, rather than the implant themselves.
This article provides considerations for women to research carefully before undergoing any type of augmentation operation.
Procedural 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.
Postoperative Complications
After surgery, it is the patient’s job to follow the directions provided by their surgeon. 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 every day, 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 they are considering using. The sooner a patient starts 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.
Resolving 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.
After surgery, you must be vigilant to do everything you can to ensure 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.
