Side Effects of Breast Augmentation
For women who are unhappy with the size of their breasts or the overall contour of their figure, breast augmentation can likely help these patients achieve more desirable aesthetics. Breast implants can enlarge the breasts to improve the shape and size of the bust, as well as balance out the body to produce an ideal hourglass figure. Breast augmentation surgery is performed by Dr. Hadi Michael Rassael at his cosmetic surgery practice. Although breast augmentation is considered a safe procedure, patients are likely to experience some side effects following surgery. Dr. Rassael helps his Chevy Chase patients understand breast augmentation side effects before undergoing surgery so that they can be well prepared for their recovery phase.
Side Effects
Unfortunately, no surgical procedure is free of side effects. However, by understanding what side effects can be expected following breast augmentation our patients can prepare for recovery and make the healing process as smooth as possible. Immediately following surgery some patients may experience side effects from the anesthesia. Common side effects of anesthesia include nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and chills. These side effects, which are not experienced by all patients, should subside within 24 hours after surgery.
These other common side effects of breast augmentation can be expected to last up to several weeks following surgery, although most patients notice a considerable decrease in side effects after the first week of recovery. Side effects that are likely to be experienced following breast augmentation include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Discomfort
- A tight, itchy feeling on the skin of and around the breasts
- A change in sensation of the breast and nipples
These are temporary side effects, which should gradually subside as the body heals.
Another side effects of breast augmentation is scarring. While the scars of breast augmentation will not disappear as the symptoms listed above, the scar should shrink and become less noticeable over time. It typically takes up to a year for breast augmentation scars to completely heal.
Managing Breast Augmentation Side Effects
Although the side effects of breast augmentation cannot be avoided, they can be managed in order to make recovery more comfortable for our patients. Below are some tips for managing common side effects of breast augmentation:
- Use pain medication as prescribed by Dr. Rassael to manage pain or discomfort
- Wear provided compression garments as directed to minimize swelling and provide the breasts with proper support
- Use ice or cold compresses to ease swelling, bruising, and discomfort
- Use lotion or creams to alleviate tight, itchy skin (just make sure to avoid the incision area)
- Once the incision site has healed, anti-scarring cream may be used to help minimize the appearance of scars
Patients who experience side effects that are difficult to manage or those who experience any unusual side effects following breast augmentation should consult Dr. Rassael to rule out the possibility of surgical complications.
Schedule a Consultation
At Millennium Medical, we believe that education is one of the greatest tools we can give our patients as they undergo cosmetic treatment. That is why we take great care in informing our patients of what to expect before, during, and after a surgical procedure such as breast augmentation. If you are considering cosmetic enhancement, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hadi Michael Rassael at your earliest convenience to learn more about our cosmetic treatments.