Understanding Breast Augmentation Complications

Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures around, second only to liposuction. More and more women are exploring this option to help restore confidence and improve their figure. With all the news regarding different complications that implants can cause for women, it is more important than ever to not only choose between saline and silicone, but to carefully consider all the risks associate with this type of surgery in order to have a safe procedure result.

The first thing to note is that the breast implants currently being used for breast augmentation procedures today are FDA approved. This is important to feel comfortable about exploring your options but just because it is deemed safe to use by the FDA does not mean that there are some common (and not so common) complications associated with the procedure. There are a lot of problems that can arise during the procedure and problems with results after the procedure.

One common complication that happens during breast augmentation surgery is risk for infection. Like any invasive surgery, there is always some level of risk. Plastic surgery procedures are also referred to as elective surgeries, implying that since these are medically unnecessary one would elect to have them done. Because of the elective nature, surgeons are very careful to qualify patients for surgery, taking on patients whose bodies are healthy enough to under go the procedure to help alleviate risks of infection or other health complications associated with heart conditions and blood clotting.

Capsular contracture is when scar tissue grows and builds up around and onto the implant. This is most common with silicone implants. The problem is that scar tissue constricts the implant. This may cause a variety of complications such as sensitivity, pain, or it can cause the implant seal to break. When this happens, implants need to be removed immediately. Because this is your body's way of dealing with a foreign object in your body, you may have to consider an alternative to breast augmentation, such as a fat transfer.

Asymmetry is also a common problem after a breast augmentation surgery. This is when your implants are not symmetrical in size, shape, or orientation. In natural breasts there is always some slight occurrence of asymmetry but when going in for surgery, the asymmetry can be instantly noticeable. In these cases, often both implants need to be replaced. To avoid complications, it is important to make sure that you take care of yourself during the initial recovery period.

These are only a few of the many complications you can experience when you undergo augmentation surgery. Make sure you research them independently and also discuss with your surgeon what complications you may at risk for.