Breast enlargement has emerged as the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in 2015 as per the figures released by the American Society for Plastic Surgery. Success rates of the procedure have improved dramatically over the years, but certain risks are still inherent to the procedure.
The patient should be aware of the risks in order to make a well-considered choice. The plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide breast enlargement and various other procedures to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding locations.
Post-Operative Risks
Capsular Contracture
Following breast enlargement plastic surgery, as the body heals itself, a natural scar tissue formation will occur around the implants. In some cases, the breast capsule thus formed from the scar tissue could contract, putting pressure on the implant, and leading to the hardening of breast, pain, and implant distortion.
The degree of severity of capsular contracture will be determined using the Baker Grading System. If the breast implant damage is of a higher grade, capsulectomy may have to be performed to remove scar tissue or replace the implant.
Implant Rippling
If the breast implant gets folded or wrinkled, the rippling effect can make the breast shape appear distorted. The risk of implant rippling may increase if the skin is stretched excessively due to overly sized implants. Dedicated cosmetic surgeons at ACPS receive patients from Houston, Texas, TX and nearby areas for breast enlargement and other procedures.
Infection
Like any other surgery, breast enlargement procedure will have an inherent risk of infection during or after the procedure. The procedure should be performed at a surgical venue with high standards of care and cleanliness to minimize the risk. If the patient experiences abnormal redness, tenderness or pain in the incision areas during recovery, or experiences fever, it may be due to an infection. The patient should promptly inform the surgeon in such situation.
Hematoma
Excessive fluid collection beneath the skin in the incision areas may cause hematoma. This condition can increase the risk of infection and capsular contracture. The surgeon will usually place drain tubes to remove excess fluid during the first few days after breast enlargement surgery. Care should be taken to keep the drain tubes away from the implants while inserting them.
Sensitivity or Numbness in Nipples
Minor sensitivity or numbness in the nipple area can occur after the breast enlargement surgery, but it will subside within a few days to a few months. In rare cases, the after-effect may be more prolonged or permanent. A skillful surgeon will be able to minimize the risk by minimizing disruption of the nerve pathways during the procedure.
Malpositioning or Rupture of Implant
Although malpositioning is a rare occurrence, it may be experienced by a few patients, just days after the breast enlargement procedure. Women with larger implants are at a higher risk of displacement. Implant rupture may cause deflated breasts in case of saline implant, while the leakage in silicone implants may only be noticed during a diagnostic imaging test.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS)physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.