The Breast Augmentation Guide

Introduction to Breast Augmentation

Understanding the Risks

As with any surgery, having a breast augmentation may result in some complications.

Although your plastic surgeon is likely to review the risks of breast augmentation surgery with you, it is a good idea for you to have an in-depth understanding of what these possible risks are.

Here is a summary of some common complications:

1. Capsular Contrapture

This is the most common complication of breast augmentation surgery, and is most likely to occur in the first several months after surgery.

When breast implants are placed, the body forms a natural lining of living tissue around them. This lining is often referred to as a “capsule”. In most cases this capsule allows the implants to feel real and natural.

In some people, however, this capsule will tighten and squeeze the implant. This distorts the appearance of the breast and makes the implant feel hard.

Photos of capsular contracture.

2. Bottoming Out

This complication usually occurs with patients who are thin and who have very little breast tissue. It is most common with implants placed above the muscle.

“Bottoming out” refers to implants that have descended too low on the chest, and have thus caused the nipples to be too high on the breast.

Photos of bottoming out.

3. Hematoma

Hematoma refers to a collection of blood in the surgical area that has escaped from the blood vessels. This blood is trapped in the skin tissue, and eventually stops the flow of blood in the area. This forms a painful mass in the breast area.

Some cases of hematoma heal themselves, but oftentimes they require drainage.

To decrease your chances of suffering from hematoma after breast augmentation surgery, avoid using blood thinners at least 2 weeks prior to and after your surgery. Blood thinning medication includes all drugs that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and garlic supplements.

Photos of hematoma.

4. Other

Some of the other minor complications that may occur after breast augmentation surgery are:

• Infection – may be healed with antibiotics
• Loss of Sensation – nipple sensation can take up to one year to return to normal
• Mondor’s Cord – inflammation of a blood vessel; heals on its own

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