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Most Common Breast Augmentation Risks

Most Common Breast Augmentation Risks

Breast augmentation risks are rare, but it’s important to be aware of them before you decide to undergo breast implant surgery.

In this article, we’ll discuss the risks of breast augmentation during and directly after surgery as well as for the duration of time your implants are in.

Immediate Risks During or Right After Surgery

Potential breast augmentation complications during or directly after surgery include the following:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Infection
  • Reactions to anesthesia
  • Changes in breast sensation

Excessive Bleeding

Excessive bleeding around the implant (haematoma) can happen right after surgery or sometimes within the first few weeks of recovery. Extreme tightness and swelling are usually the most common signs of a bleed that won’t stop.

In most cases, you will be able to retain your implant and have a successful outcome. However, you must contact your surgeon if you suspect this complication so that you can have the bleeding stopped and drain the excess blood.

Infection

Infection is a risk after any type of surgery, though it is rare. If an infection occurs, it usually occurs in the first one to two weeks after surgery.

Discharge from the incision site, redness that won’t go away, and a persistent fever are a few signs of infection. If you have concerns about an infection, be sure to contact your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.

Reactions to Anesthesia

Rarely, certain patients may have an adverse reaction to the use of anesthesia during surgery. This generally occurs when anesthesia is used for a prolonged period of time and may include an extended recovery due to anesthesia effects, nausea, vomiting, and, rarely, difficulty breathing.

Changes in Breast Sensation

Over- or under-sensation in the nipples and breasts can be a complication of breast augmentation surgery. This is quite normal but can be alarming. Many patients experience oversensitive nipples and/or numbness in their breast tissue.

Most of the time, these sensation changes will disappear over time. But if they do not, contact your surgeon.

Long-Term Risks

Rarely, patients may experience long-term breast augmentation complications associated with their implants. These may include:

  • Capsular contracture
  • Breast implant rupture

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when the body forms a protective capsule of scar tissue around the implant. This in itself, is normal, but in some cases, the scar tissue can contract, causing the implant to become misshapen or hardened. As this occurs, it can lead to breast distortion and discomfort or pain for the patient. Severe cases of capsular contracture may necessitate corrective surgery to remove the scar tissue or replace the implant.

Breast Implant Rupture

Implant rupture can occur due to a variety of factors, such as trauma, natural wear and tear, or manufacturing defects. With saline implants, ruptures are typically more noticeable as the breast deflates, causing a visible change in size and shape.

With silicone implants, ruptures can be less obvious since the cohesive gel inside tends to stay within the implant shell. Monitoring is crucial because a silent rupture can only be detected through imaging, like an MRI. In the event of an implant rupture, surgical removal and replacement are typically necessary to ensure the best outcome.

Breast Implant Illness

Breast Augmentation ComplicationsBreast implant illness (BII) is not an easily diagnosable illness with specific symptoms. Rather, it is an assortment of possible symptoms that are associated with having breast implants. These symptoms include chronic fatigue, anxiety, dry eyes and mouth, trouble sleeping, and muscle and joint pain, among others.

It’s difficult to draw definitive conclusions about breast implant illness, but fortunately, it is rare. Breast implant removal generally results in a reduction or eradication of symptoms.

Breast Implant Associated Lymphoma

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is not the same as breast cancer. Instead, it is a type of immune system cancer, also known as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Swelling and severe and persistent pain around the implants and/or a lump in the breast are the most common symptoms.

BIA-ALCL is rare, but it’s important to know about prior to getting breast implants. It appears to occur most commonly in patients who have textured breast implants. Textured breast implants are most common with silicone breast implants that are teardrop shaped. The texture helps to keep the implants from rotating within the breast pocket. Still, round and saline implants may be textured as well.

Dr. Sieber’s Approach: Rapid Recovery Technique

Dr. Sieber aims to mitigate complications and recovery symptoms by using the Rapid Recovery Technique when working with breast implant patients.

The Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation Method is not just one single step to minimize trauma and help patients recover faster. Instead, it is a long list of steps taken by Dr. Sieber, his staff, and the patient, which, combined, minimizes tissue trauma, leading to decreased discomfort and bruising. Rapid Recovery can enable patients to resume their daily activities within just 24 hours.*

This method encompasses a comprehensive process. Before the final implant is positioned, the surgical pocket will be flushed with an antibiotic solution to ward off postoperative infections and lower the likelihood of capsular contracture.

Following this, all incisions will be sealed using absorbable sutures. Other key steps and a comprehensive healing guide for patients help to speed up breast augmentation recovery and avoid complications.

Q&A: Breast Augmentation Risks

Are there fat transfer breast augmentation risks?

As with any surgery, fat transfer breast augmentation carries some risks. These can include the potential for fat absorption, irregularities in fat redistribution, and the need for additional procedures to achieve your desired results.

What are the risks of second breast augmentation surgery?

Risks associated with a second breast augmentation surgery (breast implant revision) include complications related to anesthesia, infection, scarring, and the possibility of developing capsular contracture. Additionally, the pre-existing scar tissue from the initial surgery may complicate the revision process.

Learn More at Your Consultation Appointment

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation RisksAs a breast augmentation patient, it is critical to prioritize safety and make informed decisions about your breast augmentation surgery. For this reason, always make sure to choose a board certified plastic surgeon who has unique experience with breast augmentation and breast implant safety.

Dr. David Sieber is a double board certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience with breast augmentation surgery. To schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber, please contact our office today. Dr. Sieber will be able to answer any questions you have about your surgery including how to prepare for a breast augmentation.

*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person. Editorial content, before and after images, overview breast augmentation and patient testimonials do not constitute a guarantee of specific results.

References

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-know-about-breast-implants

Dr. Dave Sieber and his staff are so awesome! Dr. Sieber is personable yet professional, his work is impeccable. He listens to his patient and works with them to achieve what they want. He’s like my hair dresser, a magician, you just want to do a happy dance with the results, only these results are lasting. Ok, but seriously, the procedure was very smooth, the staff and the doctors (Dr Sieber and the anesthesiologist) had great communication and made sure I was comfortable with very clear and concise pre op and post op directions. The healing process was very easy and the results are FABULOUS. Side note, Dr. Sieber has really awesome skin, I feel like this is impressive and important because really, would you trust a dentist with bad teeth? I am so elated and satisfied with the results, the size is perfect and they look and feel very natural. They are exactly what I wanted.*

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Dr. Sieber is a doctor who is not only extremely knowledgeable about the latest in cosmetic procedures, but a doctor who truly cares about his patients. I highly recommend him!*

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Dr. Sieber is attentive, responsive, and well trained. I had seen him for Botox and filler and he had done both without any pain or bruising and more importantly the results were fabulous. He has met with me on time at each appointment. He communicates what to expect, made sure I was comfortable throughout the procedure, checked on my healing every day post procedure. He couldn’t be more delightful not more talented. I had seen other plastic surgeons for in office treatments over the past decade and Dr. Sieber is at the top of the list in terms of delivering the desired outcome and high quality care.*

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