TL;DR:
- Potential Complications: Infections, hematomas/seromas, pain, capsular contracture, implant displacement, scarring, implant rupture, sensory changes, anesthetic risks, "double bubble" deformity.
- Symptoms of Complications: Fever, redness, swelling, leaking wounds, asymmetry, pain, implant deformation, size changes, sensory loss, or itching/scarring.
- Implant Facts: Modern implants rarely rupture spontaneously; breastfeeding is usually unaffected; no strict age limit; replacements depend on condition, not a 10-year rule.
- Post-Surgery Recovery: Proper care (e.g., support bras) and regular follow-ups are critical; sports can resume after recovery.
- Risk Minimization: Choose an experienced, certified surgeon; complete recommended tests; stop bleeding-risk medications; follow post-op instructions. Regular check-ups and healthy habits (diet/exercise) aid recovery.
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, attracting the attention of women who want to improve their figure and feel more confident in their own bodies. Although modern technology and advanced surgical techniques greatly improve safety, it is worth knowing about possible complications associated with the surgery. Find out how to make an informed decision about breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation – potential postoperative complications.
Breast augmentation is one of the more common procedures in the field of aesthetic medicine. It involves the placement of special implants to increase breast size. Like any surgery, this one also comes with the risk of complications. These include:
- infections – although they involve rare cases, infections can occur after any surgery. Symptoms include fever, redness, pain, swelling and discharge from the operated area. The risk is increased in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, weakened immunity or circulatory disorders. Therefore, antibiotics are advisable before and after surgery,
- Hematomas and seromas – are accumulations of blood or fluid around the implant. Symptoms can cause swelling, pain and discomfort. In some cases, they may need to be removed. Fluid accumulation in the operated area is most often caused by physical activity or trauma too soon,
- pain – pain after surgery is typical, but may be more intense or prolonged in some patients,
- capsular contracture – otherwise known as capsular contracture is one of the most common complications, in which scar tissue around the implant hardens and compresses the implant, causing pain and breast deformity,
- implant displacement – implants can move, leading to breast asymmetry or a change in breast shape,
- scarring problems – for patients who are prone to keloid scarring, visible and unsightly skin changes may form after the procedure,
- implant perforation or rupture – leads to leakage of silicone gel or saline. In the case of saline-filled implants, leakage causes the breast to shrink immediately. With silicone implants, the symptoms may be less obvious and more difficult to detect,
- sensory disturbances – changes in breast and nipple sensation are quite common after surgery and can be temporary or permanent,
- risks associated with anesthesia – like any surgery requiring general anesthesia, breast augmentation involves some risks associated with anesthesia, including allergic reactions, heart or breathing problems.
Before deciding to undergo breast augmentation, it is important to carefully discuss all risks with your plastic surgeon and make sure you are well informed about potential complications and how to minimize them. Qualification for breast augmentation surgery is preceded by a detailed clinical interview with the patient, during which possible contraindications are ruled out.
Breast augmentation and the effect of the "double bubble."
The "double bubble" effect is a rare but possible complication after breast augmentation surgery with implants. It is characterized by an upward shift of the implant, while the breast tissue and skin sink downward, creating a double outline under the breast. The complication can occur even years after surgery, often due to natural aging of the skin, changes after pregnancies or as a result of the original surgical technique. When such deformity occurs, another surgery is recommended, which involves removing the old implants, performing a breast lift and implanting new ones, so as to restore the aesthetic appearance of the breasts.
What are the symptoms of complications after breast augmentation surgery?
Among the worrisome symptoms that can occur after breast augmentation surgery are:
- symptoms indicating infection – including redness, excessive warmth at the surgical site, pain that intensifies over time instead of diminishing, swelling, especially unilateral, fever or chills, discharge from the incision site that may have an unpleasant odor,
- tension in the breast, bruising that intensifies or does not subside, discomfort at the surgical site,
- a feeling of hardness in the breast or around the implant, visible deformation of the breast, such as a change in the shape or position of the implant,
- symptoms suggestive of implant displacement – breast asymmetry, apparent change in breast shape or implant position,
- sudden change in breast shape or size (especially with saline-filled implants),
- lack of sensation, decreased sensation in the nipples or breasts, hypersensitivity to touch,
- thick, red, raised or painful scars,
- itching at the site of the scar.
If you notice any of the above symptoms after surgery, it is important to consult your surgeon or doctor immediately to assess the situation and implement appropriate treatment if necessary.
Does it happen that the implant ruptures spontaneously?
For many women who opt for breast plastic surgery, a big concern is the rupture of the implant in the body. However, current, modern implants do not rupture spontaneously. Medical products have a lifetime guarantee in this regard. The filling can rupture due to trauma or a fall. In this case, the implants should be replaced with new ones.
Breast implants – facts and myths.
The first myth associated with breast surgery is that you cannot breastfeed after the procedure. In contrast, most surgical methods used for breast augmentation do not interfere with the function of the mammary glands or milk ducts, meaning that women are able to breastfeed after the procedure. However, it is important to discuss your feeding plans with your surgeon before surgery. Breast implants – anatomical or round?. Many people claim that there is an upper age limit after which breast augmentation is not performed. However, the facts are that there is no strict age that is a contraindication to breast augmentation surgery. The key consideration is the patient's health status, not her calendar age. Qualification for the procedure includes a detailed medical evaluation to make sure the operation is safe. Another myth is the statement that implants must be replaced every 10 years. As for the replacement time, it is not clearly established. New generations of implants have a very long lifespan. Regular check-ups are recommended to monitor their condition. Replacement may be necessary only in case of problems, such as implant rupture or more serious complications. Do implants prevent me from playing sports? After a recovery period, most women with breast implants can return to sports, including running. However, it is important to wear appropriate clothing, such as supportive sports bras, to help support and protect the breasts.
How to minimize the risk of complications?
Minimizing the risks associated with breast augmentation surgery is very important to achieve positive results and ensure patient safety. The main issue is choosing the right specialist. Make sure the surgeon is certified and experienced in performing breast augmentation surgery. Read his credentials, look at before and after photos of the procedures and read reviews from other patients.
During your consultation, discuss all your concerns and expectations with your surgeon. It is important that the doctor understands your goals and can advise on the best method and the right type and size of implants. Before surgery, your surgeon will recommend a variety of tests, such as blood tests or breast ultrasound. It is also necessary to stop taking certain medications or supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding. An essential factor is the choice of the type and size of implants, taking into account their material, shape and texture. Modern medical devices are designed to minimize the risk of postoperative complications. Remember that after surgery, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions, avoid exercise, wear an appropriate support bra and have regular follow-up visits. A healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoiding stimulants such as alcohol and tobacco will help you recover faster and reduce the risk of complications. Taking the above-mentioned steps is the key to success and will ensure satisfactory aesthetic results.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation is transformative but comes with risks like infections or implant issues. Understanding complications, choosing a qualified surgeon, and following aftercare instructions are crucial. Modern implants reduce risks, and most myths about the procedure are unfounded. Knowledge and preparation ensure safer surgeries and positive results.
