With each passing year, aesthetic surgery evolves, as well as breast implant manufacturing technologies, so it’s only natural that the number of post-augmentation complications keeps shrinking. In Alpha Cell, our cosmetic surgery team keeps their skills and surgical protocols up to date, and mammaplasty is not an exception. Despite the ever improving medical knowledge, any surgical procedure carries certain risks. The common possible complications of mammaplasty involving implantation are capsular contracture, breast implant illness (sometimes misnamed as breast implant rejection), and typical complications associated with invasive surgery (infection, etc.).
These conditions may manifest in a range of forms, and may lead to not achieving the desired aesthetic results. Let’s have a closer look at these:
The formation of a fibrous capsule around breast implants is a protective function of the body activated when foreign objects are introduced into tissues. This is a completly normal process which starts immediately after surgery. The capsule forms over several months and should not be thicker than a fraction of a millimeter.
However, eventually, it may become thicker and denser, and calcification process may begin. As a result, compression of the breast implant develops, leading to its deformation and an increased risk of rupture, thus forming capsular contracture. This may also cause physical discomfort. This condition poses a health risk if left unchecked. Typically, the problem arises within the first year after cosmetic surgery but can occur even several years later.
Such risk is typically mitigated by use of implants with coated shells, that facilitate integration of the implant shell into adjacent tissues. In any case, capsular contracture can be treated surgically, which can be done in Alpha Cell Clinic.
This is term is typically used to describe a range of conditions associated with adverse reaction of the organism to the implant. This is a rare condition which eventually fades into history. It is characterized by general symptoms like persistent swelling, inflammation, fever, etc., typically associated with auto-immune diseases, infection or intoxication. As said above, this is becoming a thing of the past, as implant technologies improve.
The best way to avoid this risk is to make sure that modern certified implants are used. Development of breast implant illness usually calls for removal of the implants.
Any surgery involves risks associated with anaesthetic application, imperfect aseptic technique and mid-surgery emergencies. It is impossible to eliminate such risks completely, but there are ways to mitigate them significantly and be ready to manage them. Such preventative measures rely on pre-operative diagnostics, and proper complectation of surgical facilities and the surgeon’s expertise. This is why it is important to approach selection of your surgeon and clinic responsibly. Being well-informed and have general awarness of the field.
Persistent Swelling
Swelling is a sign of disbalanced fluid exchange in tissues, and is okay right after surgery, as even the most advanced surgical tecniques damage tissues, causing local inflammation and accumulation of fluids. Though, if that does not recede within 3 weeks after surgery it indicates that something thwarts the normal regenerative process, like infection or acute reaction of the organism.
Seroma
Sometimes postoperative complications can manifest during early recovery period as seroma: encapsulated fluid accumulation in the breast. One of the breasts may visibly enlarge, causing significant assymetry Upon palpation a soft shifting sac of fluid (much like a grape) may be found.
It is a benign formation that doesn’t call for immediate action, though in context of post-mammplasty recovery it should be investigated. The serous fluid can be easily removed with a syringe under ultrasound guidance.
Large or Recurring Haematoma
Hamatomas are caused by bleeding inside of tissue. Some bleeding is okay in early rehabilitation period, though during surgery any damaged vessels are sealed to prevent it. If these measures were not performed to the necessary extent, large and recurring haematomas may occur, inhibiting regenerative processes and calling for draining procedures.
Haematomas may arise as a result of non-compliance with postoperative recommendations. Tissues at the site of intervention are tender, and avoiding excess movement and resting for a few days is a normal part of posoperative recovery. Haematomas are a quite common complication, hence poor blood clotting is a contraindication for mammoplasty, and it is the surgeon’s duty to detect it, while the patient’s task is not to conceal it.
Small haematomas pose no risk and pass naturally, while large are typically addressed by draining procedures – an incision is made and haematoma is cleansed from the tissue.
Infection
It can arise due to medical errors allowed during surgery or non-compliance with the doctor’s recommendations by the patient. Treatment varies from case to case, typically antibiotics are prescribed, and if that fails surgical intervention is required.
! Materials on the website are provided for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical recommendations. Any cosmetic surgery procedure is a surgical intervention. Before making a decision about surgery, be sure to consult with a qualified specialist.
