It is vital for patients considering breast cosmetic surgery to understand the benefits and risks associated with the procedure.
The surgeon will discuss these aspects during the initial consultation. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan provides breast surgery to patients in Dallas, Texas, and surrounding locations.
Potential Risks
Some potential complications related to breast surgery are as follows:
Hematoma
Hematoma refers to a pocket of blood that appears and feels like a substantial, painful bruise. This condition presents itself in one to six percent of breast augmentation surgeries and is a potential breast surgery complication.
Almost all surgeries have an inherent risk of hematoma, and this condition may require further procedures to drain the blood.
Nerve Damage
The risk of nerve damage exists in many surgical procedures. After a breast cosmetic surgery, patients commonly experience mild numbness and tingling for a few days. In rare cases, it could indicate nerve damage, where the patient may permanently lose sensation in her nipples.
Infection
Post-op care includes measures to mitigate the risk of infection which is a very common complication of plastic surgery. For example, in breast surgeries, a skin infection known as cellulitis develops in two to four percent of patients. Although rare, at times infections can be severe and internal warranting intravenous antibiotic treatment.
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) refers to a condition in which blood clots develop in deep veins, commonly in the leg. Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when these blood clots detach and travel to the lungs. These are rare albeit serious complications.
Scarring
Some scarring is usually expected in a surgical procedure. Scars can be especially disconcerting as breast surgery seeks to enhance the patient’s appearance. For instance, hypertrophic scarring is an unusually thick and elevated scar that develops in two to five percent of breast surgery patients.
Dissatisfaction with Aesthetic Outcomes
A majority of women find their breast surgery results to be satisfactory. However, disappointment with the outcomes does occur on occasion. Some breast surgery patients may experience issues in contouring or symmetry of the breasts.
Anesthesia Complications
Anesthesia enables patients to undergo breast surgery painlessly. General anesthesia which involves drugs to render the patient unconscious can, at times, lead to serious complications. Some common risks associated with anesthesia include being confused and disoriented as well as shivering upon regaining consciousness.
Seroma
Seroma occurs when blood accumulates underneath the skin’s surface causing inflammation and pain. It appears as a substantial blister and may occur after any surgery. It is a common complication following an abdominoplasty. Seromas can become infected, and for this reason, they are usually drained with a needle to remove them. However, the chances of recurrence do exist.
Key Takeaway
Similar to most surgical procedures, breast surgery complications are also more likely to manifest in specific categories of patients. Women who are elderly and obese, for instance, are at a higher risk of developing complications.
The patient can significantly decrease the risk of complications by verifying the surgeon’s credentials and assessing the surgical facility.
Understanding in detail about the procedure and potential risks can help the patient develop realistic expectations and mitigate risks associated with the surgery. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan receives patients from Dallas, Texas, and nearby areas for breast surgery.
To schedule a consultation with Board Certified Dallas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Farah Khan please call 469-437-5426 or click here to contact us.
