What are the possible immediate post-operative effects of breast augmentation surgery?

Breast augmentation is relatively straightforward. But as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. The most common problem is "capsular contracture," which occurs if the scar around the implant tightens. This squeezes the implant and can cause the breast to feel hard. Capsular contracture can be treated in several ways, and sometimes requires either removal or replacement of the implant. As with any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding following the operation may occur and another operation may be needed to remove the accumulated blood. A small percentage of patients develop an infection around an implant. This may occur at any time, but is most often seen within a week after surgery. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new implant can then be inserted. Some women report that their nipples become oversensitive, undersensitive, or even numb. You may also notice small patches of numbness near your incisions. These symptoms usually disappear within time, but may be permanent in some patients. There is no evidence that breast implants will affect fertility, pregnancy, or your ability to nurse. If, however, you have nursed a baby within the year before augmentation, you may produce milk for a few days after surgery. Eventually, all breast implants break or leak. If a saline-filled implant breaks, the implant will deflate in a few hours and the salt water will be harmlessly absorbed by the body. If a break occurs in a gel-filled implant, however, one of two things may occur. If the shell breaks but the scar capsule around the implant does not, you may not detect any change. If the scar also breaks or tears, the gel may collect in the breast and cause a new scar to form around it, or it may migrate to another area of the body. There may be a change in the shape or firmness of the breast. This requires another operation and replacement of the leaking implant. A few women with breast implants have reported symptoms similar to diseases of the immune system, such as scleroderma and other arthritis-like conditions. These symptoms may include joint pain or swelling, fever, fatigue, or breast pain. Research has found no clear link between silicone breast implants and the symptoms of what doctors refer to as "connective-tissue disorders, " but the FDA has requested further study. While there is no evidence that breast implants cause breast cancer, they may change the way mammography is done to detect cancer. When you request a routine mammogram, be sure to go to a radiology center where technicians are experienced in the special techniques required to get a reliable x-ray of a breast with an implant. Additional views will be required. Ultrasound examinations may be of benefit in some women with implants to detect breast lumps or to evaluate the implant.

How is breast augmentation surgery performed?

The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and your surgeon's recommendation. The incision is usually made in the crease where the breast meets the chest. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. Working through the incision, your surgeon will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then centered beneath your nipples. Some surgeons believe that putting the implants behind your chest muscle may reduce the potential for capsular contracture; others may feel that putting the implant under your breast tissue will result in a better result. Drainage tubes may be used for several days following the surgery. The operation usually takes one to two hours to complete. Your stitches will come out in a week to 10 days, but the swelling in your breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear. Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.

How can I find a qualified board certified plastic surgeon?

Finding a qualified board certified plastic surgeon is very important. You can find such surgeons in your area by going to the website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons: these surgeons have had to pass their boards, as well as a rigorous evalutation by the society to insure that their qualifications are outstanding. http://www.plasticsurgery.org