Breast Augmentation Side Effects

Breast enlargement surgery can benefit you in several ways. You can expect to look better, and feel more confident and attractive. Although the surgery itself generally takes only an hour, a great deal of patience is required on your part before the results become fully apparent. Immediately following breast enlargement surgery, you can expect to feel very sore, tired and groggy. When the effects of the anesthesia subside, you can expect some other common side effects that can cause pain or discomfort, but are temporary and can be more easily endured with the help of medication and other treatments.

Patients should not confuse side effects with complications. Complications are unexpected problems that occur during or because of surgery. On the other hand, side effects are a common part of healing. They will subside over time, and should be expected. Your doctor will provide medication to help you manage pain after the procedure.

Settling

When breast implants are placed beneath the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement), they may take weeks or even months to settle into their permanent position. Your muscle and skin will have to stretch to make room for the implants. During this time, your breasts might appear too tight, too high, or unnaturally round. But as the tissues begin to relax and accept the new implant, they will begin to take on a much more natural appearance. This process generally occurs over the course of a few weeks. If you are worried about the results of your surgery, speak with your surgeon, but give your body ample time to heal before coming to any conclusions about the results.

Swelling

Swelling occurs after every type of surgery, including breast augmentation surgery. Your breasts may temporarily feel large, tight and heavy as a result of post-surgery swelling. The supportive garments your surgeon provides will help. Swelling may also extend into the abdominal region of your body. This is common, and you should not let this alarm you. Swelling may subside more quickly if you try sleeping in a reclining position.

Bruising

Bruising is possible following breast augmentation surgery. Breast implant size, as well as the placement method employed, can affect the amount of bruising that occurs. Bruising can extend to the abdominal area in rare instances. This is uncommon, but not a complication. Contact your doctor if you experience large, firm, painful bruises. This could be a hematoma, a serious kind of bruise that requires special treatment. After one or two weeks, normal bruising will subside.

Nipple Sensation

Patients' nipples often become either numb or very sensitive immediately following breast enlargement surgery. The surgery usually results in some disturbance of the nerve pathways and is almost always temporary. This loss of sensation can persist for several days or months. It is permanent in a small percentage of patients.

Pain Control

The pain that follows breast enlargement surgery is usually moderate. Pain medication should be taken as directed by their doctor. Pain will decrease quickly over the first few days following surgery and continue improving as the implants settle.

Itching

The skin stretches considerably after breast surgery. As this occurs, the patient may experience itching. Lotion can help relieve this effect, but you must take care not to allow the lotion to contact the incision site. Consult your surgeon to find out which kind of anti-itching medications you can safely use.

Scars

Breast enlargement always leaves scars. It cannot be prevented. The scar can be made minimally visible if it is placed in an inconspicuous location, such as the crease of the breast or around the areola. It generally takes up to a year for a scar to finish fading. Some topical treatments are available to help patients minimize their scars. Talk to your surgeon to find the best method of scar treatment for you.

Infection

When bacteria is introduced into the body through the incision, infection can occur. Tenderness, localized swelling, redness and warmth can all indicate that an infection has taken place. Fever can accompany these symptoms in some instances. Antibiotics can clear most infections. In more serious cases, the surgeon may have to remove the breast implants while the body fights the infection.

Constipation

Pain medication taken after surgery can cause constipation in some instances. This is a rare side-effect, but it should be discussed with your surgeon before you undergo breast augmentation surgery so you can determine which kinds of remedies you should have on-hand following treatment.

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Photo credit: Pacific Plastic Surgery

Find a Breast Augmentation Surgeon in Your Area

The best way to gain a thorough understanding of what to expect following breast augmentation surgery is to schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon. DocShop can help you find a cosmetic surgeon in your area.