Before undergoing any cosmetic procedures, you need to be aware of its risks so you can avoid them. In the case of breast implant, here are the things you should keep in mind.
Capsular contracture
The scar tissue or capsule which usually forms around the implant may tighten and squeeze the implant. Over several months or years, some women experience breast shape changes, hardness or pain as a result of this contraction. If these conditions are severe, more surgery may be required to correct or remove the implants. However, regular breast massage will help reduce the chance of this occurring. According to the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery, the rate at which capsular contracture occurs is approximately 5%.
Calcium deposits
Sometimes calcium deposits can form in the scar tissue surrounding the implants. In most cases, such deposits are harmless. However, they can be a warning sign of cancer being present. On rare occasions, however, it may be necessary to remove an implant. Typically, a sample can be taken to test for cancer without removing the implant. It all depends on the location of the deposit in question.
Additional surgery
Women should understand that there's a fairly high chance they'll need to have an additional surgery at some point to replace or remove the implant if and when it wears out. Also, problems such as deflation if saline is used, capsular contracture, infection, shifting and calcium deposits may also require removal of the implants. Many women decide to have the implants replaced while some don't.
Infection
As with any kind of surgery, an infection can occur albeit rarely. The frequency of infection with implant surgery is less than 1% in Australia but is higher overseas. A prospective patient should ask her surgeon what his/her experience has been and how commonly it occurs. Most infections resulting from implant surgery appear within a few days to weeks after the operation. But infection is possible at any time after surgery. If an infection doesn't respond to the antibiotics, the implant may have to be removed. After the infection is treated, a new implant can usually be inserted. This is why it's important to follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions in terms of antibiotic medications and to keep fresh scars clean.
Haematoma
A haematoma is a collection of blood inside the body (in this case, around the implant or incision), which may result in swelling, pain and bruising. The chance of getting a haematoma is about 1% in Australia, but a woman thinking about breast implants should ask her doctor about his/her experience. If a haematoma occurs, it will usually be shortly after surgery (it can also occur at any time after injury to the breast). Small haematomas are absorbed by the body, but large ones might need to be drained surgically for proper healing. Surgical draining can cause additional scarring as drains need to be placed in the body to collect the blood and other fluids.
Delayed wound healing
In rare cases, the implant stretches the skin abnormally, depriving it of blood supply and allowing the implant to push out through the skin. This complication usually requires additional surgery and most commonly occurs when larger implants are used.
Changes in feeling of the breast
Feeling in the nipple and breast can increase or decrease after implant surgery. Most changes in sensation are temporary, as most nerves will regenerate over 6 to 12 months, although sometimes the changes can be permanent.
Shifting of the implant
An implant may shift from its initial placement, giving the breast an unnatural look. It may become visible at the surface of the breast as a result of the device pushing through skin layers. Further surgery is required to correct this problem. If the implant shifts, it might become possible to feel the implant through the skin. Other problems with appearance can include incorrect implant size, uneven appearance, visible scars and wrinkling of the implant. Most of the complications shouldn't occur if the procedure is carried out correctly and appropriate sizing parameters are used when selecting the implant.
Breast implant surgery has come a long way, with low instances of severe complications and high levels of patient satisfaction, which is why it's one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed these days.
Whether you're considering breast implants or any other cosmetic procedures, consult the top cosmetic surgeons in Australia today.