Ways for Surgeons to Reduce Complications After Breast Augmentation

As with any plasticsurgery, breast augmentation involves some risk of complications although there are many ways to lower the chance or even prevent certain problems.  These are some of the examples:

Reducing Tissue Hardening

This complication, which is also called capsular contracture, is related to bacterial contamination that occurs at the time of breast augmentation surgery.  For this reason, plastic surgeons will make every effort to prevent this from happening.

One of the surgical techniques that prevents capsular contracture is the Keller Funnel in which the doctors use a cone-shaped nylon (where the implants are placed) and then squeeze this so the implants can be inserted into the breast pocket. 

This method can significantly reduce the risk of contamination because the breast implants are introduced into the breast pocket without having to actually touch them.

Meanwhile, some plastic surgeons recommend breast massage after implant surgery because it is believed to prevent the tissue from becoming hard.  However, this should not be performed with teardrop-shaped implants and textured implants.

Reducing Rippling

For patients choosing saline implants, overfilling them can reduce rippling although doing so may void the devices’ warranty.  Another way is to use smooth implants and avoid the textured version, especially the one with “large graininess” which has been attributed to the higher risk of traction wrinkling.

Because women with little amount of breast tissue are at higher risk of visible and palpable rippling, they are generally advised to have silicone breast implants—which are noted for simulating the feel and movement of breast tissue and fat—rather than saline implants.

And to further reduce the risk of rippling, many doctors place the breast implants under the muscle (instead over it) so there will be more coverage especially in the upper half of the breasts.

Reducing Deflation (Only Applicable for Patients with Saline Implants)

Overfilling saline implants, which usually means adding 25cc to 3occ beyond the manufacturer’s recommended amount, can reduce the risk of deflation.  But still, patients who choose this type of implant should keep in mind that natural deflation can still happen due to evaporation and other factors.

According to a study, saline breast implant has a natural deflation rate of 1 percent per year; for this reason, patients with this implant would more likely need revisions sooner than women with silicone implants.

Another advantage of overfilling saline implants is that it can reduce sloshing (which has been said to affect the implant’s stability).

Reducing Nipple Numbness

Reduced or complete loss of sensation in the nipples is one of the most common concerns of breast augmentation patients who are still considering having babies in the future.  This complication happens due to the injury to the nerves at the time of surgery.

To minimize the risk of nipple numbness, plastic surgeons avoid cutting and cauterizing the area nearest the armpit.  Instead, they may gently stretch the tissue apart so there will be enough “breast pocket” for the implants.

By stretching the tissue apart instead of cutting it, there is less risk of nerve damage.  Take note that stretched nerves are less likely to result in permanent numbness in the nipples.

Reducing Downward Displacement of Implants

Downward displacement of the implants, which leads to sagging breasts, is often caused by large, heavy implants.  This problem is more of a concern with saline implants because they are prone to sloshing unlike the silicone version.

It is really hard to tell if someone will experience downward displacement or not because the level of risk is also determined not only by the implant size but also by the breast tissue (flaccid vs firm) and its amount.

In general, women with firmer breasts with a moderate to significant amount of tissue can accommodate larger implants.  By contrast, patients with flaccid breasts are often advised to choose silicone implants filled with 300cc to 350cc to reduce the risk of downward displacement.

Postponing the Need for Revisions

There is no guaranty that breast implants can last a lifetime; for this reason, most patients will likely need revision surgery at some point in their lives.

Teenage patients in particular will need revisions sooner than those who will undergo breast augmentation in their twenties.  Women should remember that breast implants are subjected to the natural wear and tear from daily life’s activities.

According to surveys, most breast augmentation patients wait until they reach their twenties before having the procedure.

Avoiding Less Favorable Cosmetic Outcome

To achieve the most natural result, there is no universal approach because everything depends on the anatomical features (e.g., amount of tissue, chest width, waistline, etc.).  For instance, women who lack breast tissue and fat are generally advised to use silicone implants rather than saline implants.

Women with little breast tissue are not advised to use saline implants because the result is usually breasts that are too round; higher risk of palpable and visible rippling; and unnatural feel.

Also, choosing implants that are too large in relation to the body can result to the “heavy top” look.  Nowadays, the trend is the natural appearance that many plastic surgeons have noticed that more patients are seeking revisions to downsize their breast implants.