Ways for Surgeons to Reduce Complications After Breast Augmentation (Part 1)

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As with any plastic surgery, 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).

Cosmetic Surgery Blogger @ February 17, 2012