Breast augmentation 101: side effects & safety concerns

One of the most popular cosmetic procedures in today’s day and age is breast augmentation, aka breast implants or boob jobs. The process is commonly known for increasing one’s breast size and shape, and is pretty popular!

Did you know that according to Business Today, breast augmentation in India ranks third amongst plastic surgeries? Although it still stands quite far away from its US counterpart, the demand for breast augmentation in India seems to be rising. While this cosmetic procedure is fast growing, are you aware of what it actually entails. If you’re thinking of getting breast implants or augmentation done, then here’s everything you need to know about it before diving into this cosmetic procedure.

WHAT IS BREAST AUGMENTATION?

The enhancement of breasts to increase size and shape is known as breast augmentation. This is often carried out if someone is unhappy with their size, symmetry, or has suffered loss of volume due to weight loss. Breast augmentation is also an option for women who undergo a mastectomy.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES?

Breast implants come in different materials. The most popular are the ones made out of silicone that’s filled with saline or a gel. Another method involves fat transfer, where fat is inserted into your breast tissue via liposuction. This increases your size up to two cups. 

WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS & SAFETY CONCERNS OF BREAST AUGMENTATION?

Since it is a surgical procedure there are several complications and side-effects that can be associated with it. Some of the side-effects include:

• Implant complications

Complications such as pain and over-sensitivity in breasts and nipples can arise post a breast augmentation.

• Scar tissue formation

It is possible for scar tissue to form around the breast implant causing it to squeeze the implant.

• Rupture & deflation

Tears or holes can form in the outer shell of the breast implant when squeezed too hard. This damage can be a result of surgical instruments, overfilling or underfilling of breast implants, trauma, or just overall ageing of the implant.

• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Studies have shown that breast implants can cause a T-cell lymphoma that can be triggered post surgery. It is known as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. As of July 2019, studies have found that BIA-ALCL is diagnosed at 1 per 3,817 patients to 1 in 30,000 –– it is commonly identified in patients with textured implants and also those with breast cancer reconstruction. The symptoms of BIA-ALCL includes pain, asymmetry, lump in the breast or armpit, skin rashes, hardening of breast tissue or fluid retention. 

• Systemic Symptoms

One can experience fatigue, memory loss, and joint pain, post a breast implant surgery. This is often coined as a breast implant illness. While researchers are still investigating this, if the symptoms progress a removal of the implants is necessary to reverse the symptoms.

• Infection or Toxic Shock Syndrome

Like most surgeries, one can experience an infection through bacterial or fungal contamination. This can happen around the surgical sutures and usually appear a few days after the surgery. If antibiotics do not heal it, then your breast implant will need to be removed.

• Additional Surgeries

Breast augmentation doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll last for a lifetime. With time complications can develop, which often means you will be signing up for more surgeries.

• Hematoma

When blood collects around the surgical site, it’s known as a hematoma. This can often result in swelling, bruising, or overall pain. Although it is limited to after the surgery, a hematoma can occur at any point especially when there’s damage to the breast.

CONSIDERING GETTING BREAST IMPLANTS? HERE ARE 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GOING FORWARD WITH YOUR BOOB JOB!

#1 – Not all boobs are the same

Do not compare your boob size with someone else’s you’ve seen on social media. The volume of breasts and how they look is entirely dependent on your body type, shape, and size. It just isn’t about the volume of the breasts only!

#2 – Ask questions

Researching is key over here. Make sure to ask your cosmetic surgeon everything you need and want to know about your implants before getting them. Find out about the type and size that works best for your body type, the technique that is being used to place the implant, and your recovery time and what to expect from it.

#3 – Recovery will take time

You need to remember that the downtime from a breast augmentation will take time. One needs to be patient, and it won’t be a cakewalk to deal with. You will feel pain and your breasts will feel tender, sore, tight, and swollen. It is all dependent on the incision, the size of your implant, and the way your body heals naturally. Again, these are questions that need to be answered by your surgeon, so ask away!

#4 – Breast Implant is different from a lift

Sagging breasts require a breast lift in addition to breast augmentation surgery. Remember that they’re two different things, so if you’re looking for a lift only, opt for the latter.

#5 – Mammograms will be complicated

Once you get breast implants, your routine mammograms will be a little different. You will need to inform the radiologist about having implants to avoid rupture during the process.