Breast Augmentation Risks: What You Should Know
The reasons for cosmetic surgery are as varied as the people who elect to have it, and most of the time, the risks are negligible when weighed against the benefits. Breast augmentation risks are no exception, with many patients choosing the procedure despite any perceived risks. In 2019, 300,000 women underwent the surgery with successful outcomes. These numbers solidify breast augmentation as a safe and effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals.
Suzanne Yee, MD, has decades of experience providing her patients in the Little Rock, AR, area with the curvy, feminine figures they deserve. Her breast augmentation patients come to her to restore their confidence after pregnancy, weight loss, age, or general asymmetry leave them feeling less than satisfied with their appearance. But before you decide on breast augmentation, familiarize yourself with the potential risks.
The Basics: Breast Augmentation Risks
There really is no surgery without any risk at all (at least, not yet). Though breast augmentation is generally considered safe, Dr. Yee insists that her Little Rock, AR, patients be aware of all potential risks and side effects, no matter how minor or unlikely. Take a look at this list of possible adverse effects before you decide:
- Chance of implant rupture
- Probability of breastfeeding issues
- Unsatisfactory results
Chance of Implant Rupture
The stories of silicone gel-filled implants popping and leaking chemicals into the bloodstream are tales more appropriate for a 1980s horror film than modern cosmetic medicine. These days, whether the implants are made from silicone or saline, they are designed to be self-contained. There are additional layers and a strong valve that keeps the fluid from entering the body. In the event of a tear, the gel is designed to match your body's electrolyte balance, so there's little risk of toxic shock. Still, it’s important to note that the chance of a rupture increases over time.
Possibility of Breastfeeding Issues
Breast augmentation is generally not recommended for women who plan on becoming pregnant in the future. Pregnancy can affect the results of your enhancement, while the surgery itself can impact your nipple sensitivity and in some cases, capability to breastfeed. There are, of course, many women who go on to breastfeed post-surgery without complications, but it’s an outcome you won’t know for certain until after the surgery. Even if you can breastfeed, you should know that the procedure may affect the amount of milk that you produce.
Unsatisfactory Results
Dr. Yee always wants to be certain that patients understand what breast augmentation can achieve and what it cannot. Breast augmentation surgery dramatically improves the size, shape, and symmetry of breasts. It will not assist with breast sagging; that’s a separate procedure. Often, these two surgeries go hand in hand, which can be a surprise for patients who believe augmentation will solve both issues.
Book Your Appointment with Dr. Yee
What would it be like to wake up each day with more confidence and better self-esteem? Suzanne Yee, MD, and her caring team will discuss your expectations, what you hope to achieve with breast augmentation, and how they can make that happen. If you’re ready to start your journey to a happier you, call our Little Rock office at (501) 224-1044 or send us a message online to schedule your consultation.
