According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) statistics, breast augmentation currently ranks as the number one cosmetic surgery procedure in the US. Improvements in surgical techniques and advanced, FDA approved implant qualities have made the procedure safer than ever.
However, certain risks still remain associated with breast implants, in addition to the risks that are typical to any surgical procedure. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Lin provides breast implants to patients in West Covina, Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, Pasadena, Diamond Bar, and surrounding locations.
Implant Related Risks
Breast augmentation involves surgical placement of saline or silicone implants. Risks related to implant performance are unique to this surgery.
Capsular Contracture
Once the implants are placed in the breast tissue, the natural immune response will lead to scar tissue formation around them. Sometimes the scar tissue may become unusually hard or contract tightly, putting excessive pressure on the implants.
If the implants get squeezed due to the hardening scar tissue, they can lose their shape or move from their position. The outer implant shell may also get damaged. Harder breast capsule may also cause pain. The patient may require a breast implant replacement cosmetic surgery to correct the condition.
Implant Rippling
The patient should choose the implant size appropriate to the amount of breast skin available to cover the implant. If the implant size is excessively large, the implant may develop creases or folds, causing a ripple effect on the surface and distorting breast appearance.
To minimize this risk, the patient should choose the appropriate implant size and shape in consultation with the surgeon. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Lin receives patients from West Covina, Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, Pasadena, Diamond Bar, and other communities and cities in this section of Southern California for breast implant surgery.
Implant Damage or Shifting
The implant may sometimes move away from its original position just after the surgery has been performed. The risk of displacement increases in case of larger implants, while the risk of implant rupture or damage is equal in all sizes of implants.
If a saline implant ruptures, the patient will be able to note the condition immediately because the implant will deflate. But with saline implants, the rupture may only get noticed during an MRI exam. Breast revision surgery may be necessary in case of implant damage.
Surgery-related Risks
Infection
All types of surgeries have some risk of infection. A completely hygienic and sterile environment should be maintained at the surgical venue to reduce the risk. The surgeon may prescribe antibiotics after the surgery to mitigate the post-op infection risk.
Numbness in Nipples
Numbness, sensitivity, or change of sensation in the nipple area may take place after breast augmentation surgery. The condition will usually resolve on its own, but in rare cases, numbness may get prolonged or become permanent.
Unfavorable Scarring
While some amount of scarring is unavoidable after breast implant surgery, discreetly placed incisions can help to camouflage the scars to a significant extent.
Click here to learn more about all the plastic surgery procedures and treatments cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Lin performs for patients in and around Pasadena, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, West Covina, Inland Empire, and San Gabriel Valley. Call today to schedule a consultation 626.810.6165 or click here.
