Every woman seeks to achieve the ideal shape that enhances her self-confidence and gives her a sense of satisfaction with her external appearance. Therefore, many women of different ages and categories resort to cosmetic surgeries, whether for facial or body beautification. Breast augmentation surgeries are considered one of the most common cosmetic procedures among women who want to have a more harmonious and attractive body. In addition to the advantages and benefits associated with breast augmentation surgery, it is also important to discuss the potential disadvantages and complications. Therefore, we present to you this article through the Dalili Medical website to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of breast augmentation surgery and everything you need to know before making your decision to undergo this surgery, which helps you choose the most appropriate option for you.
In general, breast augmentation implants do not affect the milk ducts, which means that a woman can continue breastfeeding after the surgery.
The patient can leave the hospital one day after breast augmentation surgery, as the anesthesiologist makes sure that she is in good condition and that she is able to go home.
Many women fear the possibility of developing cancer after breast augmentation. Studies have shown that there is a rare type of cancer in some cases, known as large cell lymphoma. Although rare, it is considered dangerous. It can be treated with surgery to remove the implant and surrounding scar tissue if diagnosed early.
It is preferable to wear a medical bra for a month after breast augmentation surgery.
Most of the swelling usually goes away within the first two weeks after surgery. It is recommended to continue wearing the corset and taking the medications prescribed by the doctor to speed up the healing process.
Breast augmentation does not affect pregnancy in any way, nor does it cause infertility. Pregnancy occurs through the reproductive system and uterus in women, and has nothing to do with the breast. However, breast implants may affect breastfeeding, as a woman who has undergone breast augmentation may suffer from a decrease in the amount of milk.
The recovery period after breast augmentation usually takes about five days at most. However, pain and swelling may continue in some cases for several weeks, which necessitates seeing a doctor and following his instructions to speed up the recovery process.
Breast augmentation takes about one to two hours, and usually does not require staying in the hospital after it is completed. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to stay in the hospital to monitor the patient's vital signs throughout the night.
Obtaining the final results of breast augmentation generally takes a long time. If the implants are placed over the muscle, the results appear within 4 to 6 weeks. If the implants are under the muscle, the results may take about 3 months.
No, as statistics indicate that 46% of women who underwent silicone implants and 21% of those who used saline implants undergo another operation after at least 3 years. Breast implants do not retain their shape forever, as they may leak or harden.
A woman may lose sensation in her nipple after breast augmentation surgery, but this is not a cause for concern, as the sensation gradually returns after several months of the operation. In general, breast augmentation surgery does not permanently affect the natural sensation of the nipple, except in some rare cases that may be related to problems with the nerves surrounding the nipple.
The difference between breast augmentation using silicone implants and breast augmentation using autologous fat injections
There are major differences between the two methods of breast augmentation using silicone and fat injection:
First: The material used
- Silicone: Silicone implants are used and implanted under the breast.
- Fat: Fat is extracted from other areas of the body and injected into the breast.
Second: Results
- Silicone: Provides natural, accurate results and better symmetry.
- Fat: Results may be less symmetrical, and some fat may fade over time.
Third: Risks
- Silicone: Considered safer.
- Fat: Carries higher risks such as the possibility of infection and asymmetry in fat distribution.
Fourth: Cost
- Silicone: Usually more expensive.
- Fat: Generally less expensive.
Many women choose to undergo breast augmentation surgery because of its many benefits, including:
- Enhancing the external appearance and giving the body a more harmonious and attractive appearance.
- Improving the fit of clothing with the body shape.
- Achieving symmetry between the breasts if one was larger than the other before the operation.
- Reshaping the breasts after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss.
- Increasing self-confidence and feeling satisfied with the external appearance.
- Breast restoration after injury or mastectomy for any health reason.
- The possibility of removing the breast implant to restore the previous shape if the patient so desires.
After breast augmentation surgery, some side effects may appear naturally. These symptoms usually disappear and improve on their own. Adhering to the doctor's instructions and proper post-operative care helps reduce complications and speed up the healing process. Symptoms that may appear after breast augmentation surgery include the following:
- Feeling pain, especially during the first week after surgery.
- Feeling tightIn the surgical area, where the skin needs some time to adapt to the new size of the breast.
- Feeling numb in the surgical area as a result of the nerves in the breast tissue being affected by the surgery. This feeling is temporary and gradually improves over time.
- Asymmetry in the shape of the breasts, as each breast is affected differently, which may cause one to appear more swollen than the other. The shape of the breasts gradually improves as the swelling subsides during the first few weeks after surgery, but it may take several months for the breasts to take their final shape after the augmentation procedure.
The appearance of bruises between or below the breasts.
Discharge of fluids from the surgical site. It is normal for yellow or bloody fluids to come out after the procedure, but if the discharge is abnormal, the doctor should be informed.
Breasts can be enlarged either by silicone implants or by injecting autologous fat. Breast augmentation by fat injection depends on extracting fat from different areas of the patient's body such as the abdomen, waist, and thighs, and then injecting it into the breasts. This procedure has several benefits, including:
- No need to insert foreign materials such as silicone implants.
- Obtaining natural results.
- Shorter recovery period compared to breast augmentation using silicone implants.
- Fewer complications compared to those that may occur with silicone breast augmentation.
- No scarring thanks to the use of small incisions during fat injection.
Breast augmentation by fat injection is considered a cosmetic procedure, but it may carry some risks that make it unsuitable for all cases. Among the disadvantages of fat injection into the breast are:
- This procedure is not suitable for all cases, as the patient must have a sufficient amount of fat to be suctioned and injected into the breast.
- Breast size can be enlarged, but within certain limits (about one cup).
- The patient may need to undergo a breast lift and lift procedure after breast augmentation by fat injection.
- There is a possibility that the body will absorb the injected fat.
- The cost of this procedure is higher than breast augmentation using silicone, as it involves liposuction and injections at the same time.
Breast augmentation, like any other surgical procedure, is accompanied by some risks and side effects. Since this procedure is often performed for cosmetic purposes, many women are concerned about the potential risks and unexpected damages associated with the use of silicone. Therefore, it is natural for them to seek to know the advantages and disadvantages of breast augmentation before making a decision. In this context, we will review in detail the disadvantages and risks of breast augmentation using silicone, including what is common and what is rare, to ensure that you are fully informed about all aspects of the procedure before proceeding with it.
**Scars as a result of breast augmentation surgery** Scars are expected to appear as a result of breast augmentation surgery. These scars are usually hidden under the breast fold or around the nipple, making them easy to hide with underwear. Over time, the effects of these scars fade to become faint lines after a year of surgery. Silicone patches and creams can be used to reduce the appearance of scars.
Capsular contracture occurs in some cases as a response of the body to the foreign body implanted in the breast, which is the silicone implant. This can lead to pain and breast deformities, depending on the severity of the condition. Although the exact cause of this phenomenon is still unclear, it is believed that certain factors contribute to its occurrence, such as bacterial contamination, leakage of the silicone material used in the implant, and the presence of a hematoma.
Capsular contracture after implantation is classified into four degrees:
- **Grade I**: The breast appears normal and smooth.
- **Grade II**: The breast appears normal, but is hardened.
- **Grade III**: The breast appears abnormally hardened.
- **Grade IV**: The breast is hardened and abnormally shaped, causing severe pain.
Grades 3 and 4 capsular contracture are serious complications of breast augmentation and may require a reoperation. This involves removing the implant, with or without the option of re-inserting a new implant. Grades 1 and 2 can be treated with massage or ultrasound. **Breast Implant Rupture: A Risk Associated with Breast Augmentation** A breast implant, whether silicone or saline, can rupture due to a hole in the outer layer of the silicone implant. This risk can occur at any time, and is more likely to occur as time passes after the procedure. Possible causes of breast implant rupture include:
- Capsular contracture after implantation (a risk associated with breast augmentation using silicone)
- Excessive pressure on the breast during a mammogram
- Rupture resulting from the use of surgical instruments
- Rupture that occurs during some surgical procedures such as taking a breast biopsy
- Aging of the silicone implant
- Excessive pressure on the breast
- Failure to adhere to the correct standards and procedures during the procedure
**Saline implant shrinkage as a defect in breast augmentation surgery** Breast implants of all types can rupture, but shrinkage is a complication associated only with breast augmentation using saline implants. The doctor diagnoses saline implant shrinkage as a result of saline leakage into the body, either over several days or all at once. Changes in the shape and size of the breast may also be observed.
**Breast implant disease and the effects of silicone implants**Sometimes, a woman may experience certain symptoms after breast augmentation surgery and silicone implants. These symptoms include feeling tired, poor memory,Rash, and blurred vision. This condition is known as breast implant illness. There is no clear explanation for why these symptoms occur, but in some cases, removing the breast implant and not re-implanting it may cause these symptoms to go away.
**Breast Implant-Associated Lymphoma** This type of cancer is not a cancer of the breast itself, but rather is related to the immune system and is considered a major risk associated with breast augmentation surgery using silicone. This cancer is often found within the scar tissue and fluid surrounding the implant, but it can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and a feeling of a lump in the area of the breast implant.
Although the chances of developing this type of cancer are very low, the disease is serious and can lead to death if not treated in a timely manner. Many patients are treated by surgery to remove the breast implant and scar tissue. In some other cases, chemotherapy and radiation may also be required.
Unsatisfactory results: Among the risks associated with breast augmentation, unsatisfactory results may appear, such as implants changing position, bursting or leaking. These problems may require additional surgery to correct the situation and achieve the desired and satisfactory results.
Change in breast sensation: One of the possible side effects of breast augmentation is a change in sensation in the breast and nipple.
Important information: The risks of breast augmentation can be greatly reduced by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon. It is necessary to look for a doctor with experience and competence in this field, and to check the success rates of the operations he has performed and the extent of patients' satisfaction with the results.
**Tips after breast augmentation surgery**
To achieve the best results as quickly as possible and reduce potential risks, it is necessary to follow a set of tips after breast augmentation surgery, the most prominent of which are:
1. **Avoid strenuous physical activities**: It is recommended to avoid exercising or any intense physical activity for a period ranging from 4 to 6 weeks. The doctor may recommend some light exercises such as bending and moving the arms to relieve pain.
2. **Return to work**: You can return to work after several weeks if it requires physical activity, while you can return within days if your work is office-based and comfortable.
3. **Avoid exposure to sunlight**: It is preferable not to be exposed to sunlight for long periods.
4. **Wound care**: You must pay attention to the cleanliness of the wound and follow up with the surgeon continuously, and do not hesitate to inform him of any abnormal symptoms.
5. **Follow a healthy lifestyle**: It is recommended to follow a healthy lifestyle to speed up the healing process, and refrain from smoking.
6. **Wearing special corsets**: It is preferable to wear special corsets for 4 to 6 weeks after the operation, as they help ensure that the incision heals properly, relieve breast pain, and hold the stitches in place.
7. **Choosing the appropriate bra**: You must consider the type of bra that will be worn after the operation, and it is preferable not to wear it immediately after the operation, but rather wait until the wound heals.
8. **Adherence to prescribed medications**: It is important to adhere to taking the medications prescribed by the doctor.
There are some signs that you may not be recovering properly after surgery. Infection, bleeding, and high fever can be an indication of a problem with your implants.
Here are some symptoms that may indicate that you are not healing properly, which requires contacting your plastic surgeon for additional guidance:
- Severe itching in the area of the incisions or stitches, knowing that a slight itching is normal.
- Severe dizziness, nausea, and persistent dizziness.
- Numbness in other areas of the body (other than the breasts and your implants, where mild numbness is expected).
- Severe pain despite taking prescribed medications.
- Heavy bleeding that does not stop.
- Rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing.
Eating unhealthy foods and drinks can negatively affect the recovery period after breast augmentation surgery, slowing down the healing process. Therefore, it is important to stay away from them. Here is a list of some foods and drinks that may be harmful to your body before or after surgery.
**Salt** Eating large amounts of salt can lead to high blood pressure, which puts stress on the heart and blood vessels. It is best to avoid salty foods or fast food for at least two weeks before surgery and for a month after.
**Alcohol** Your doctor will ask you to stop drinking alcohol and alcoholic beverages two weeks before the operation. Remember that drinking alcohol after the operation is like drinking poison, as it negatively affects the healing process and damages the breast implants.
**Caffeine** Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and may cause you to feel irritable, which can lead to dizziness and increased discomfort and pain after the operation. It is also important to stop consuming caffeine to avoid any interference with blood pressure and anesthesia.
**Fast Food** Fast food or any high-calorie foods should be avoided, as they can disrupt or negatively affect the healing process.
**Daily Habits and Activities** Although most women are ready to resume their daily activities after about a week, it is important to be aware of your limits and what you can and cannot do during your breast augmentation recovery period. If you decide to have implants, it is best to take a week off from work. After this period, you will be able to resume many daily activities, but you should avoid strenuous work or intense exercise for the first two months.
**Sleep and Rest** Rest is very important, but be careful not to let it lead to bed sores! It is recommended to get out of bed every two hoursSoon and walk slowly for ten minutes.
Try to avoid sleeping flat on your back, as sleeping in an upright position helps speed up the healing process. You should also avoid sleeping on your stomach to avoid any damage to the implants. You can see our blog article on how to rest during breast implant recovery for more information.
**Bathing** You can shower after 48 hours, but you should avoid using a bathtub, hot tub, or swimming pool for at least two weeks. If you find it difficult to resist using a bathtub, avoid soaking your upper body in water.
**Driving** Driving can put pressure on your wounds after surgery, so it is important to have someone with you to help you get home. Most women can drive after a week, but it is best to avoid driving for the first month if possible.
**Lifting** Lifting objects heavier than 5 pounds can put pressure on the implants and negatively affect the healing process. Try to do your housework before surgery, and ask someone else to help you with routine tasks, especially if you have children.
**Exposure to sunlight** Exposure to the sun can damage the implants and cause the wounds to swell. If you have to go outside, be sure to apply sunscreen to your chest area half an hour before sun exposure.
**Massage** If massage is necessary, your surgeon may give you instructions on how to gently massage the implants. Avoid massaging your breasts without prior instructions, as this can damage the implants and cause them to rupture.
**Movement of arms and legs** After surgery, your arm movement will be limited, which means you may need help with many of your personal routines for the first couple of days. So, it is essential to have someone by your side to support you. You will also have difficulty walking, but by the end of the first week, you will be able to walk normally and slowly.
**Sex** For physical intimacy, it is best to wait at least two weeks after surgery before resuming sexual activity. Remember that your wounds and incisions may be prone to bleeding and infection, and any strenuous activity may delay the healing process.
**Sports and physical activities** Engaging in activities that put pressure on your upper body may negatively affect your implants, especially in the first two weeks. In general, it is advisable to avoid any strenuous or strenuous activity.
**Walking** Some women believe that they should avoid any movement after breast implant surgery, but the truth is that you need to commit to walking for ten minutes every few hours to maintain your health.
**Running** It is important to note that running may negatively affect your implants and increase pressure on your wounds and incisions. Therefore, it is best to avoid running and jumping for at least two months after the procedure.
**Swimming** If you decide to go to the pool after two weeks, you can walk slowly back and forth, but you should avoid swimming or diving so as not to damage your implants.
**Exercise** If you feel a strong desire to do some exercise, you can do squats and some other exercises for the lower body. However, you should avoid push-ups and abdominal strengthening exercises, in addition to reducing bending as much as possible.
It is recommended that you raise your arms slowly above your head during the six to eight hours following the surgery, and this exercise should be repeated every hour during the first three weeks when you are awake.
**Smoking** The negative effects of smoking on the results of cosmetic surgeries. If you want to experience a smooth and healthy recovery, it is necessary to quit smoking for a certain period.
