As with any surgery, breast augmentation is associated with a variety of risks that a patient must be comfortable with before electing to undergo the procedure. In general, complications following breast implant surgery rarely occur, but any patient considering the procedure should be aware of all possibilities, including bleeding, infection, and wound separation, among others.

Bleeding

Bleeding is a possible complication following breast implant surgery, particularly if a patient continues to take blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before the operation. The use of alcohol or alternative supplements (Vitamin E, fish oil, etc.) can also contribute to blood thinning.

One type of bleeding complication that can occur is called a hematoma or a pocket of blood that forms inside the wound. A hematoma can cause symptoms of pain and swelling in the affected breast. Smaller hematomas are usually absorbed by the body, but larger hematomas may require treatment, which typically involves draining the blood via surgically placed tubes.

Wound Separation

Similar to the risk of bleeding, the possibility of wound separation, or dehiscence, increases the more a patient exposes herself to blood-thinning medications or supplements. The risk for wound separation increases significantly if a patient refuses to quit smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery.

Blood rich in oxygen and nutrients, along with tissue-building fibroblast cells, is necessary for proper wound healing. Nicotine and other chemicals found in tobacco smoke can constrict blood vessels, hinder blood flow to the wound, and affect the reproduction of fibroblast cells.

Delayed wound healing and dehiscence can also become an issue when a patient engages in vigorous movements too soon after breast implant surgery. However, a surgeon’s poor surgical and suturing techniques can result in excessive skin tension at the incision site and may also lead to wound separation.

Infection

Infections, although rare, are typically caused by bacteria that normally live on the skin. Symptoms of pain, swelling, fever, and redness may arise. To reduce the risk of bacterial infection, antibiotic medications are administered prior to surgery and an antibiotic solution is applied to the incision site before implant placement. Antibiotics are also used to help combat post-operative infections.

If a patient does not respond to antibiotics, the breast implant itself may be contaminated. In these instances, the affected implant must be removed from the breast pocket and replaced with a new one.

Additional Complications

In addition to the potential complications listed above, breast implant surgery can sometimes cause:

-Loss of sensation in the breast and/or nipple

-Necrosis, or the death of body tissues

-Capsular contracture, or breast hardening

-Asymmetrical results

Complications are Rare

Patients who are worried about the risks of breast augmentation should know that, overall, complications following the procedure are rare. To help reduce the chance of developing complications, it’s imperative that a patient seek an experienced, Board Certified plastic surgeon to perform the surgery. A highly qualified surgeon that has performed many breast augmentations and has a superior understanding of varying surgical techniques will be more capable of minimizing risks than a less experienced surgeon. Additionally, he or she can more effectively address a patient’s specific issues, and recommend the implant type, size, and method of placement that best suits a patient’s body type and overall health.

Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, http://bayshoreplasticsurgery.com/ breast implants, and more.

Author Bio: Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

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Keywords: breast implants, breast augmentation, breast enhancement, breast enlargement