According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed in 2008 was breast augmentation.
With over 300,000 performed, it is a fairly routine process.
However, as with any type of surgery, there are still possible risks and complications, no matter how routine the procedure.
If you are thinking of having a breast augmentation, you need to be aware of these complications so you can avoid them.
1.
Surgical complications - Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia and there is always a risk of adverse reaction to the anesthetic.
It is very important to tell your surgeon about previous reactions and existing medical conditions as well as medications so the anesthesiologist knows what to watch for.
2.
Infection/Scarring - Follow your surgeon's instructions.
Give yourself time to recover and don't try too much too soon.
Keep the area clean and go for your follow-up appointments.
It is up to you to keep infection from setting in.
If the incision does get infected, see your surgeon immediately.
Untreated, it could lead to some unsightly scarring.
3.
Asymmetry - A surgeon who rushes through his procedures can leave you lopsided.
Like an artist, he should carefully position each implant and make sure that everything is in symmetry.
4.
Too big/too small - This happens when you and the surgeon are on different pages.
Be clear about the results you want.
Try on different sizes and get second opinions.
Of course, sometimes the size you choose doesn't look like you expected once it is in.
Revision surgery can fix this.
5.
Capsular contracture - No one knows why this happens but it is the body's response to a foreign object- the implant.
Scar tissue forms around the implant and can cause serious pain.
It doesn't happen to everyone and sometimes happens on one side and not the other.
Surgery can remove the scar tissue and you may need to replace the implants as well.
6.
Numbness/nerve damage - Temporary numbness is common, but there is always a chance that the nipple will experience a total loss of sensation or even become hyper-sensitive.
7.
Hematoma/Seroma - Sometimes blood and fluid collect under the skin following surgery.
Drains are typically placed to prevent this and are removed a few days after the procedure.
If fluid collects and does not dissipate on its own, additional surgery is required.
The best way to avoid any complications is to have an experienced and, of course, board certified.
Breast augmentation has come a long way with options for type of implant, incision site and placement of the implant.
As long as you are open about your health, clear about what you want and follow pre and post-op instructions, your procedure should be free of complications.