Although complications may arise, breast augmentation procedures are generally safe.
During a breast augmentation, a plastic surgeon places implants in the breasts to make them appear larger and fuller. Generally, this procedure is for cosmetic purposes as well as to restore the natural fullness of the breasts that has been lost due to weight loss or pregnancy. While this procedure is generally safe, there can be complications after the surgery.
Infection
Infections within the breasts can occur days or weeks after the surgery. Symptoms of an infection include redness at the incision point, swelling, fever or tenderness. Standard antibiotics can treat most infections; however, in serious infections, antibiotics will not suffice. Instead, removal of the implants until the infection has cleared is required. Replacing the implants later is at the discretion of the plastic surgeon. In serious cases, an infection can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome (T.S.S.). Infections after breast augmentation are rare, as patients, during and after surgery, take antibiotics.
Capsular Contraction
Capsular Contractions naturally occurs in the body with the introduction of a foreign object. This condition causes a capsule to form around the implant, and while this happens with all implants, if the capsule forms too tightly around the implant it causes capsular contraction. This condition causes the implant to appear distorted. In severe cases, the implant may become misshaped and be unnaturally hard to the touch. Doctors rate this complication through a four-level grading system known as The Baker Grading System. These grades include:
Grade I: Natural, soft feel and appearance.
Grade II: Breast(s) are slightly firm but maintain natural appearance.
Grade III: Breast(s) are firm to the touch and have a distorted appearance.
Grace IV: Breast(s) are hard, painful to touch, and have a distorted appearance.
To treat this condition, surgeons must remove the implant.
Sensation
After breast augmentation surgery, patients may notice their breasts change in sensitivity within the entire breast and nipple area. The severity of sensation changes varies from patient-to-patient. Some may completely loose sensation within this area of the body while others may experience enhanced sensitivity. The most noticeable change in sensitivity is during the healing process immediately after surgery. Just Breast Implants states the changes in sensitivity can take as long as two years to be restored to normal; however, the majority of patients' sensitivity levels return to normal faster than two years.
Tags: after surgery, after surgery, appearance Grade, appearance Grade Breast, around implant