The Risks of Breast Augmentation Surgery

The Risks of Breast Augmentation Surgery

Today’s society is quite a bit different than it was a couple decades ago, and it’s even a lot different from just 10 years ago. While there might be endless differences between then and now, one thing that’s changed is how commonplace plastic surgery has become.

For better, or for worse, cosmetic surgery has become something that’s available to everyone all over the nation. It’s become cheaper, more accessible, and more versatile. The most popular cosmetic surgical procedure last year was breast augmentation. No – Pamela Anderson isn’t the only person who has a boob job, as people all over the country get more and more boob jobs every year.

With over 250,000 breast augmentation procedures performed every year since 2010, you would think people know a decent amount about boob jobs. Well, unfortunately this isn’t always true. Some individuals fail to do the proper research before undergoing breast augmentation, which can lead to complications or a botched procedure. It is of the utmost importance to do a sufficient amount of research whenever you might consider any surgical procedure. Don’t let impatience or cheapness or insufficient research result in a poor boob job. You can either start by reading what is breast augmentation, or, for those who know a little already, do the proper research to make sure you understand the risks of breast augmentation.

Risks and Possible Complications:

Among some of the more common complications and adverse outcomes of receiving breast implants are the following:

·       Additional Surgeries

One of the most important things to understand before getting a boob job is that they are not permanent. Breast implants are not permanent devices, and the longer you have them for the more likely it is that complications will occur. In addition to the longevity of the implants, there is always a chance you might not be satisfied with the outcome of the cosmetic procedure, which might require an additional procedure. This can happen for many reasons, such as realizing the procedure resulting in asymmetrical breasts.

·       Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is a common complication for those who undergo a breast augmentation procedure. Capsular contracture is when the breast hardens around the implant. The hardening can occur in both breasts, or just one of them. The hardening causes the tissue to tighten, which is often uncomfortable and sometimes painful. There are different grades of capsular contracture, which depends on the severity of it, and capsular contracture is much more common following an infection.

·       Breast Pain

This should be an obvious possibility. Following the procedure, there is always a chance that you will experience breast pain. While the pain can vary in severity and can be caused by many different things, you should always advise your doctor when it occurs to make sure everything is fine.

·       Altered Nipple/Breast Sensation

While this can be different for those who experience it, it is possible that you might experience an increase or decrease in the feeling in your nipple and/or breast. The changes can vary in degree, and sometimes the changes are permanent, but they are often temporary. These changes can easily affect your response to sexual stimuli as well as breast feeding.

·       Rupture/Deflation (Saline Implants)

When there’s a deflation it’s because the saline implant ruptured. The rupture will usually be obvious as the breast will lose its shape and size over the next couple days following the rupture. While this is obviously unfavorable aesthetically, your body should be able to absorb the saline solution.

·       Rupture Without Symptoms (Silicone Implants)

Noticing a silicone implant rupture can be more difficult than noticing a rupture in saline implants since the silicone gel is thicker and the body cannot absorb it. Because of this, the shell of the implant usually doesn’t shrink much, so if you have suspicion that your implant ruptured meet with your doctor to check. Otherwise, it is recommended that you have an MRI every few years after you get implants to make sure they are not ruptured.

While these complications are certainly less common than the complications listed above, the following are also possible complications after undergoing a breast augmentation procedure:

·       Breast Tissue Atrophy

·       Calcification/Calcium Deposits

·       Chest Wall Deformity

·       Delayed Wound Healing

·       Extrusion

·       Hematoma

·       Iatrogenic Injury/Damage

·       Infection

·       Inflammation and Irritation

·       Lymphedema

·       Displacement/Malposition

·       Palpability

·       Bruising, Rashes, and Redness

·       Seroma

·       Visibility

·       Wrinkling and Rippling

At the end of the day, it is important to be wary of the possible complications of any procedure you get no matter how common or uncommon they are, especially when you’re dealing with surgery. It’s important to remember that plastic surgery is still surgery, and you should never be rash when dealing with surgery.

 While breast augmentation is generally a really safe procedure, it is still possible to have a procedure that results in unfavorable results and sometimes even complications. While some of them are preventable and others are not, it always pays to be prepared and sufficiently educated. 

By Russell McBurnie