Hundreds of thousands of women have breast augmentation surgery each year. Most sail through the experience and suffer no more than temporary disruption of their usual routines for a short time.
As a surgical procedure, however, breast enlargement does pose potential complications and risks you should know about. Dr. Stevens or Dr. Stoker will spend time discussing these with you in your consultation and they welcome the chance to hear any particular concerns you may have.
Capsular Contracture
Occasionally patients experience an outcome that calls for additional surgery. The most talked about undesirable result is capsular contracture. All breasts form tissue "capsules" around implants; a small minority of these eventually contract and squeeze the implants. Most cases are mild and don't require surgery, but in rare cases of distortion it's necessary to have another procedure. Capsular contracture can sometimes be relieved by scoring the scar tissue, other times implants must be removed or replaced.
You'll be glad to know that very few Marina Plastic Surgery patients experience capsular contracture. The surgeons invest in ongoing development of their technical skills, in research studies and in keeping up with the latest advances in the field to deliver the best possible outcomes for their patients.
Other Possible Complications
Dr. Stevens and Dr. Stoker take every possible precaution to minimize risks associated with breast enhancement surgery, but you must be aware that complications are possible. Any surgery carries with it the risk of infection, and a very small percentage of breast enlargement patients develop a skin infection or an infection around an implant. These rare infections are treatable with antibiotics and very seldom require further surgery.
Seroma, a pocket of fluid around the implant, and hematoma, a collection of blood at or near the incision site, are two other possible breast augmentation complications. These two conditions most often resolve themselves as the body re-absorbs the fluid. Occasionally a large seroma or hematoma may need a surgical drain to remove the fluid and promote proper healing.
Scarring, Nipple Sensation and the Future
All surgeries leave scars, breast augmentation included. This is another topic you should discuss in consultation with your physician. Most women find their scars, which fade with time, completely acceptable. In some instances scarring is more extensive. Dr. Stevens and Dr. Stoker can often improve the appearance of an overdeveloped scar in a minor office procedure. Very rarely a patient will decide on additional surgery.
A small number of women notice their nipples become more or less sensitive after surgery. Some report losing sensation altogether. Most of these conditions are temporary, but in very rare cases a loss of sensation is permanent.
Your implants should not interfere with mammograms or with your ability to breastfeed in the future. As you have routine breast cancer screenings, ensure you have a technician experienced in working with women who have had augmentation. And discuss any future childbearing plans with your doctor to hear about the potential impact of pregnancy on your breasts and implants.
Your Implants May Not Last a Lifetime
Before deciding to proceed with breast enlargement you must consider that it's possible you'll need additional surgery in the years to come. It's not usual for saline-filled breast implants to rupture. Since the saline solution is easily absorbed by the body it poses no threat, however, the implant must be replaced.
Rarely, silicone gel implants can rupture, though the cohesive material most often holds together or, at very least, stays inside the tissue capsule surrounding the implant. The FDA recommends MRI scans to test for these "silent ruptures" periodically. If a silicone gel implant ruptures, it must also be replaced.
And, to keep your new breasts looking youthful and shapely, you may decide you need a breast lift in the future. In fact, you may want to consider adding a long-lasting lift to your new breasts via The Stevens' Laser Bra at the same time you have your augmentation.
Your Consultation is Key
Dr. Stevens and Dr. Stoker will take time during your consultation to review potential complications with you, including the very remote risks associated with any surgery such as infection and excessive bleeding. Be sure to bring a list of questions or concerns with you.
As you do your research and make decisions, you can feel confident in knowing you're in great hands at Marina Plastic Surgery Associates. Each member of the board-certified, accredited staff is experienced, caring and focused on your results.