For the most part, breast implant surgery, or breast augmentation is deemed to be extremely safe, and it’s hardly surprising really when you consider it’s amongst the most popular of all cosmetic procedures. Even though the procedure is considered safe, it’s still surgery none the less, and as with all types of surgery, there is always a possibility of complications arising.
Although not strictly a complication, patients should realize that they will have to endure a certain amount of pain following breast surgery. If the pain is insistent however, then it needs to be brought to the attention of the surgeon who performed the procedure, because it could be an indication that there’s a problem. For example, incorrect implant sizes can cause pain, just as wrong placements can.
All breast implants on the market today are either silicone based implants or saline implants. The “bags” which house these compounds have been known to leak or rupture on occasions. In fact, ruptured implants account for the largest number of breast surgery complications. Fortunately however, it is relatively easy for a woman to notice if one of her implants has ruptured, in that the effected breast will appear to have deflated, or else it will have changed shape. Interestingly enough, studies have shown that implant which end up rupturing, usually do so within the first few months. A ruptured implant needs to be removed as soon as it’s detected, and then replaced with a fresh one by means of replacement surgery.
Capsular contracture is another breast surgery complication which can arise with breast augmentation. This conditioned occurs when the scar tissue surrounding the implant ends up squeezing the implant, although this usually only happens if there’s an infection present. The telltale signs are excessive tightness, a change of shape, and persistent pain. Immediate surgery is necessary for this complication, and depending on the severity, implant replacement may be required as well.
Infections are one of the most common breast surgery complications, but this is true with all types of surgery. While some infections are relatively mild, others can be severe enough to cause a condition known as “Toxic Shock Syndrome.” If left unchecked, this can be life threatening. Any person who has recently been under the knife, and who starts experiencing symptoms such as a fever, diarrhea, nausea, or dizziness, should immediately go and see a doctor. If an infection has taken hold, immediate surgery will be required in order to remove the implant.
Apart from non-life threatening complications, there can also be other complications such as loss of sensitivity, or the inability to breast feed, While these may not be life threatening, they can be an unpleasant nuisance, and of course they can have an impact on one’s sex life.
Breast surgery complications are few and far between nowadays, but even so, it would be foolish for anyone to undergo the procedure without at least being familiar with the possible complications, and without realizing that there is always a chance that something could go wrong