Breast augmentation surgery is easily one of the most popular and sought-after cosmetic surgeries around the world. By getting breast implants, many women are able to enhance their overall body contour and look their absolute best. Since the surgery is not for everyone, it’s important that those interested meet with a skilled plastic surgeon in order to learn more about their candidacy.
Now with all this in mind, we stress that breast augmentation surgery is a surgery, and as such, patients need to be aware that all surgeries entail some degree of risk. We’d like to take a few moments right now to look at the risks of surgery and what these mean for patients.
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About Breast Augmentation Surgery
First let’s go over the basics of surgery since this will help explain some of the potential risks. Breast augment surgery involves the placement of breast implants into the breast pocket. By doing this, the overall size and shape of the breasts is enhanced.
Common Risks Associated with Surgical Healing
There are certain risks that are common to all kinds of surgeries, such as infection, blood clots, major discomfort, and poor healing. Below are some of the risks that are unique to breast augmentation surgery.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is one potential risk of breast augmentation that can be quite uncomfortable. This refers to the hardening of the scar tissue around the breast implant itself. This will compress the breast implants, making them appear misshapen. This will result in pain for the patient as well. It’s important that patients who experience capsular contracture contact their surgeon right away to receive care.
Breast Implant Leakage / Rupture
Another risk that your cosmetic surgeon will inform you about is the potential leakage or rupture of your breast implants. This generally only occurs following major impact or injury to the chest. As with capsular contracture, it’s important that patients contact their surgeons as soon as they notice a breast implant leaking or deflating so that the issue can be addressed in a timely manner.
Changes in Breast/Nipple Sensitivity
Given the nature of the surgery and the incisions involved, there can be changes in a patient’s breast sensitivity and nipple sensitivity as they heal. This is to be expected. In the vast majority of cases, this is a temporary side effect that resolves itself with time. Full pre-surgical sensation or comparable pre-surgical sensation will usually return after a few months.
Reducing the Chances of Surgical Risk
The best means that a patient has of reducing the chances of surgical risks and complications is to follow their surgeon’s instructions for care to the letter. This goes for both pre-operative instructions as well as post-operative instructions. These instructions are designed to ensure that patients experience optimal conditions for healing.
Patients are also encouraged to contact their surgeons during the healing process if they have any questions or pressing concerns. This sort of attentiveness can help catch potential problems early and generally lead to peace of mind as a person heals.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation Surgery
If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation surgery and how it can be of benefit to you, be sure to contact our New York cosmetic plastic surgery centers today. With offices in New York City and Long Island, we can help you achieve excellent aesthetic results.