Recognizing the Warning Signs: Your Guide to Breast Augmentation Complications and When to Call Your Surgeon

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide, with over 1.6 million procedures performed annually. While breast augmentation is a well-established surgical procedure with a strong safety profile when performed by board-certified surgeons, with modern studies showing complication rates remain low, with surgical site infections occurring in just 0.23% of cases, it’s crucial for patients to understand potential complications and recognize early warning signs that require immediate medical attention.

Understanding Common Breast Augmentation Complications

The most common complications associated with breast implants are reoperation, capsular contracture, implant removal, and rupture. However, several other complications can occur that require prompt recognition and treatment.

Infection: Early Detection is Critical

Infection is one of the most serious complications following breast augmentation. Up to 4% of patients will experience acute infection within the first month after breast implant surgery, whereas late-onset infections (at least 6 weeks after surgery) have a similar if slightly lower frequency. Signs of early-onset infections (within 6 weeks after surgery) include swelling, flushing, breast pain, chills, intense redness on the breast, a high fever, new incision drainage, and uneven swelling.

A high fever after surgery is one of the most certain signs of an infection. If a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit occurs days or even weeks after surgery, it is very likely that an infection needs treatment immediately.

Capsular Contracture: When Scar Tissue Becomes Problematic

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant tightens abnormally and compresses the implant. This tightening causes the breast to feel hard and appear warped or high on the chest. Signs of capsular contracture can start to appear as early as a few months after breast implant reconstruction surgery or years later.

Hematoma and Bleeding Complications

Excessive bleeding around the implant (haematoma) can happen right after surgery or sometimes within the first few weeks of recovery. Extreme tightness and swelling are usually the most common signs of a bleed that won’t stop. A surgeon should be contacted for any type of hematoma.

Implant Rupture and Displacement

Implant rupture can occur due to a variety of factors, such as trauma, natural wear and tear, or manufacturing defects. With saline implants, ruptures are typically more noticeable as the breast deflates, causing a visible change in size and shape. With silicone implants, ruptures can be less obvious since the cohesive gel inside tends to stay within the implant shell.

When to Contact Your Surgeon Immediately

Knowing when to seek immediate medical attention can prevent complications from becoming serious health threats. If you notice any changes to your breast implants or experience any unusual signs or symptoms of health issues, contact your health care provider promptly to schedule an appointment.

Emergency Warning Signs

Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience:

• If swelling seems severe, especially one one side, or if feelings of engorgement are accompanied by fever and breasts are very warm to the touch
• Intense pain or tenderness around the breasts can be a sign of infection. If you feel excessive pain or discomfort after surgery, contact your surgeon
• Some bleeding at the incision sites is normal, but there should not be a significant amount of blood. If you notice extensive bleeding or bleeding that continues for several days, contact your surgeon for assistance
• Sharp or severe breast pain deserves a checkup. Don’t delay this, especially if it arises out of nowhere and seems localized around the implant

Long-term Monitoring Signs

If you experience any symptoms of BIA-ALCL, such as persistent swelling or pain, or other changes in the area around your breast implant, talk to your surgeon or health care provider about the need for further evaluation. BIA-ALCL typically presents as either a mass in the breast or an unexplained swelling or delayed seroma occuring many years after the initial placement of the implants.

The Importance of Regular Follow-up Care

Even if you do not have concerns about the condition of your implants, it is important to go for your routine exams and screenings, based on the FDA-recommended timeline. Routine screenings can verify your implant is intact and identify complications such as implant rupture or silicone leakage. Although implant rupture can cause various symptoms, some women with ruptured implants experience no symptoms, which is why routine screenings are critical.

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Journey

When considering Breast Augmentation Fairfield County, selecting an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is paramount to minimizing complications and ensuring optimal outcomes. Dr. Chang Soo Kim of CS Kim Plastic Surgery exemplifies the qualities patients should seek in a breast augmentation surgeon.

Dr. Chang Soo Kim is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon providing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The care he provides to his patients is unparalleled and has been the focus of his practice for over 30 years. In contrast to excessive or artificial techniques, his methods enhance natural beauty. He received his medical degree from Yale School of Medicine. The American Board of Plastic Surgery has certified him as a Board Certified plastic surgeon after completing his plastic surgery residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

At their Joint Commission Accredited facility in Fairfield County, Dr. Kim performs a wide range of plastic surgery procedures. With hundreds of tummy tucks, breast augmentations, and breast reduction surgery procedures under his belt, Dr. Kim has helped thousands of patients regain their youth.

Your Role in Prevention and Early Detection

Follow these steps to address potential breast implant issues: Check your breasts and implants monthly for any detectable changes. Report any redness, swelling, lumps, oozing, or concerning findings to your plastic surgeon right away.

Never hesitate to contact your plastic surgeon if you have any concerns, even months or years after surgery. We want to hear from our patients, as it’s the best way we can help to make sure you’re healthy and happy with your results.

Conclusion

While breast augmentation complications are relatively rare when performed by qualified surgeons, being informed about potential warning signs can make the difference between a minor issue and a serious health concern. Remember that to greatly reduce your risk for any of these complications, you should be aware of your body, follow your surgeon’s recovery recommendations as precisely as possible, and contact them if you have any concern.

If you’re experiencing any concerning symptoms after breast augmentation, don’t hesitate to contact your surgeon immediately. Early intervention is always the best approach to maintaining your health and preserving your surgical results.