Undergoing any surgical procedure may involve complications like the effects of anesthesia, possible infection, swelling, redness, bleeding and pain. Breast implant placement can be a complex surgery and complications may occur.
Breast Asymmetry
Naturally asymmetrical or uneven breasts can become more noticeably uneven after breast augmentation as the breast implants can accentuate the difference.
Breast Implant Complications
Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue or capsule that normally forms around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant.
Rupture
A sudden decrease in breast size in those with saline breast implants indicates a rupture of the breast implant. Silicone breast implants ruptures are more difficult to diagnose.
Patient-Physician Rapport
Patient-physician rapport is one of the most important factors in preventing sub-optimal results in plastic surgery. Excellent rapport begins with a thorough consultation. An accurate health history, along with a detailed physical examination, reveals the problem and possible treatment options. Communication between patient and surgeon includes a comprehensive description of the benefits and risks of each treatment option. A discussion of ideal breast implant size is important for each patient. Breast and chest measurements, as well as patient preference, play a significant role in implant size selection.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue or capsule that normally forms around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant. Capsular contraction is more common following infection, hematomas or seromas (collection of watery portion of blood). Overfilling a breast implant is filling the amount saline beyond the recommended manufacturer amount. If the breast implant of a patient feels firmer than before or the breast shape changed, the patient probably has a capsular contracture of the breast implant. Breast implant capsular contracture is the most common reason for additional breast surgery after breast augmentation.
Options
A typical breast has a smooth silicone shell containing silicone gel or saline inside. However there are also silicone or saline implants that have texture. The shell of these implants has a fine sandpaper texture. These textured breast implants have a lower incidence of capsular contracture. Another variable to choose when having breast augmentation is the shape of the breast. The patience chooses between round breast implants and teardrop or "anatomical" implants. Anatomical breast implants are shape like a teardrop in order to give the breasts a natural flow and bounce.