Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
The risks of breast augmentation include general problems such as bruising, swelling, bleeding, infection, numbness, and the scar. The the scar is usually around two inches long but can be longer and can become thick. Both breasts may not look the same, this is called asymmetry. Poor healing can occur especially if patients smoke or suffer from diabetes. Problems can also occur from the implant and leakage, molecular shedding, capsule formation, wrinkling and implant palpability are all possible and depend on the type of implant. This surgery can cause changes in breast examination and mammography. Textured implants are more likely to cause rippling and smooth implants are more likely to cause hardness.
The FDA has made recommendations but not all are fully supported by plastic surgeons. For example the FDA recommends MRI scans but many surgeons feel that the cost and large number of false positive reports make this ill advised.
Over the last few years a concern has been raised about the relationship of breast implants, saline or gel filled, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. If it occurs it is possibly associated with swelling or fluid collecting around an implant. Patients who develop fluid around their implant should contact their plastic surgeon.
There is a possibility that you may need additional surgery in the future but the longevity of implants is not clear. Implants are man made, and so are not like living tissue.
The final position of the implant depends on anatomical factors and your chest shape may dictate the final shape and position of the breast.
Extrusion, or rejection, of the implant is a serious danger. It is sometimes due to infection or using too large an implant. It can impair the final result and appearance.
Anesthesia, local or general, also has risks. Other risks include thromboembolism and blood clots. It is often recommended that you discontinue hormones or birth control pills around the time of surgery because they may increase the risk of blood clots.
It is important to remember that no surgeon can give a guarantee about the final outcome, including appearance, shape, size and so on. You should have a realistic attitude about the outcome, and remember that all surgery has good and bad aspects. That there is no such thing as ‘perfect surgery’.
The satisfaction rate for breast augmentation is around 90% and although a satisfactory outcome is anticipated this means that 10% of people do not achieve the result that either the patient or the surgeon would like.
If things do not go well you may need revision or secondary surgery. Although many surgeons do not charge for this, there is often a charge for anesthesia and operating room costs.
Smoking and secondhand smoke can delay healing and you should not smoke for at least two weeks before and after surgery. Do not to use any nicotine products because this may impair healing.
At the time of your consultation you were given estimates of the cost of surgery, but if the operation takes longer than anticipated then anesthesia and operating costs are increased.
All information is current knowledge, and based on Dr. Hudson's experience, remember that future knowledge and surgical recommendations may be different.
The FDA has made recommendations but not all are fully supported by plastic surgeons. For example the FDA recommends MRI scans but many surgeons feel that the cost and large number of false positive reports make this ill advised.
Over the last few years a concern has been raised about the relationship of breast implants, saline or gel filled, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. If it occurs it is possibly associated with swelling or fluid collecting around an implant. Patients who develop fluid around their implant should contact their plastic surgeon.
There is a possibility that you may need additional surgery in the future but the longevity of implants is not clear. Implants are man made, and so are not like living tissue.
The final position of the implant depends on anatomical factors and your chest shape may dictate the final shape and position of the breast.
Extrusion, or rejection, of the implant is a serious danger. It is sometimes due to infection or using too large an implant. It can impair the final result and appearance.
Anesthesia, local or general, also has risks. Other risks include thromboembolism and blood clots. It is often recommended that you discontinue hormones or birth control pills around the time of surgery because they may increase the risk of blood clots.
It is important to remember that no surgeon can give a guarantee about the final outcome, including appearance, shape, size and so on. You should have a realistic attitude about the outcome, and remember that all surgery has good and bad aspects. That there is no such thing as ‘perfect surgery’.
The satisfaction rate for breast augmentation is around 90% and although a satisfactory outcome is anticipated this means that 10% of people do not achieve the result that either the patient or the surgeon would like.
If things do not go well you may need revision or secondary surgery. Although many surgeons do not charge for this, there is often a charge for anesthesia and operating room costs.
Smoking and secondhand smoke can delay healing and you should not smoke for at least two weeks before and after surgery. Do not to use any nicotine products because this may impair healing.
At the time of your consultation you were given estimates of the cost of surgery, but if the operation takes longer than anticipated then anesthesia and operating costs are increased.
All information is current knowledge, and based on Dr. Hudson's experience, remember that future knowledge and surgical recommendations may be different.