Complications of breast augmentation include capsular contracture (breast hardening), which can be prevented or mitigated with early massage; unsatisfactory shape or size; scarring at the incision site (scarring occurs with any incision, but meticulous suturing and subcutaneous tension-relieving sutures can minimize scarring); lactation; implant leakage or rupture;Infection: Poor sterile technique during surgery, hematoma, and incision dehiscence can also lead to infection.
Breast augmentation is a common cosmetic procedure with multiple techniques available. While popular among many women, undergoing surgery at unlicensed facilities increases the risk of complications.
Capsular contracture and breast hardening: The silicone gel capsule acts as a significant foreign body, triggering a tissue reaction that forms a fibrous capsule. The exact cause remains unclear but may be associated with hematoma, inadequate dissection of the pocket, or silicone oil leakage.Early massage can help prevent or alleviate this. Severe cases may require implant removal, capsular release, partial capsular resection if necessary, followed by re-expanding the pocket and reinserting the implant, or implanting a smaller size (approximately 30ml smaller than the original).
Unsatisfactory shape: Due to the limitation of the pectoralis major muscle, implants cannot be placed close to the midline, resulting in an inconspicuous cleavage.Additionally, excessive dissection above the breast and insufficient below can elevate the breast position, resulting in an unnatural shape. The former should be discussed with the patient beforehand, while the latter requires redissection lower down and compression bandaging.Once implanted, if the patient finds the size too large or too small, the implant can be replaced. However, replacement should be avoided if possible, as reoperation may introduce new complications.
Scarring: All incisions result in scarring. Careful suturing and tension-relieving subcutaneous sutures can minimize scar visibility.
Lactation: A small number of patients may experience temporary lactation due to implant stimulation. This typically resolves within weeks without medication.
Implant Leakage or Rupture: This occurs due to poor implant quality or localized trauma to the breast post-surgery, presenting as redness, swelling, and discomfort. The incision should be reopened to remove the ruptured implant and silicone oil. After thoroughly flushing the pocket, a new implant is inserted.
Infection: Poor sterile technique during surgery, hematoma formation, or incision dehiscence can also cause infection. Immediate removal of the implant is required, followed by anti-infective treatment. Reimplantation should only occur after wound healing and complete resolution of the infection.