Breast augmentation surgery is today so popular and commonly heard about. We hear many success stories but regrettably, some horror stories of 'breast enlargements gone wrong'. Thankfully, the risks of surgery going wrong are minimal if surgery is carried out by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. However, when breast augmentation surgery is considered, it is incredibly important for the individual to be aware of the associated risks.
From the outset, it should be stated that every surgical procedure brings with it a level of risk; there is always the potential for things to go wrong. Patients are sometimes dissatisfied with the results achieved and surgeons cannot always guarantee what the result will be. However, advancements in breast augmentation surgery and procedures have led to significant reduction in its risks.
There are a number of risks that a surgeon simply cannot predict prior to surgery. These include:
Descent: The tissue of some patients is not suitable or able to hold the implants in position and they consequently slide down the wall of the chest. Commonly, the scar then progresses up the breast and causes it to appear bottom heavy. Unfortunately, not even the wearing of supportive bras can rectify this situation; a breast lift is often necessary in this instance.
Detectability: Sometimes it is possible to see the edge of the implant and it may appear crinkled. This situation is made all the more obvious when considerable weight loss occurs.
Stretch marks: People who have existing stretch marks on their body are more susceptible to having stretch marks on their breasts.
Nipple and areola changes: Following breast enlargement, the nipples and areolars may alter in size, shape and colour. Also, minor breast asymmetry in the nipple and areola position can be exacerbated as a result of breast augmentation.
Asymmetry: Following breast augmentation, pre-existing asymmetry of the chest wall and breasts may become more obvious.
Scars: Prior to surgery, a plastic surgeon can only offer their best guess as to the location of the scar that will result. In few patients, thickening, puckering, hyperpigmentation and keloid formation may occur at the scar site.
Inflammation and infection: While there is a small chance of inflammation and/or infection, it occurs very rarely following breast enlargement surgery.
Silicone implants: The development and use of cohesive gel has made silicone implants all the more effective, safe and reliable. Although it is incredibly rare, it is possible for silicone implants to rupture and leak through breast tissue.
Damage to nerves: Quite a few women report localised numbness and a sharp pulling sensation following breast augmentation surgery and some even report complete numbness of the nipple. It is expected that each breast will feel slightly different and experience shows that most numbness and abnormality of sensation settles with time.
Tight sensation: A tight feeling is quite commonly experienced following breast enlargement surgery. For most people, the tight feeling eases as the breast tissue relaxes to fit and comfortably accommodate the implants.
Swelling: Uneven swelling in the breasts is common and some people find that one breast settles far more quickly than the other. Many patients find it reassuring to know that the swelling generally subsides within two weeks.
Recovery time: It is expected that each breast will take a different amount of time to heal; this is because the nerve supply is different and there are biological variations in each breast. The breasts will naturally feel different and every person has their own, individual response.
Reassuringly, the risks of breast augmentation surgery are far less today than what they were in the past. Many people enjoy excellent results and are very happy with the outcome. It is very important that people contemplating a breast enlargement are fully informed of the risks and have these clearly explained by their surgeon.
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