Breast Enlargement Surgery

As with all surgery there are possible complications and you need to be aware of these to make an informed decision. Despite the highest standards of surgical practice, complications can occur.

Anaesthesia – Modern anaesthesia is safe and effective, but does have risks. Rarely, these risks are life threatening. Any concern regarding your anaesthesia should be discussed with your Anaesthetist prior to your procedure.

Wound infection- Although not common, this occurs in less than 10 % of cases and may require treatment such as antibiotics or local dressings. Most infections will be superficial ( in the skin ). Deeper infections are more serious, and can result in loss of the implant.

Wound breakdown – This may occur due to poor or slow healing of the skin and breast tissue, or excessive stress on the wounds. Wound breakdown will significantly delay healing and may increase scarring.

Bruising and swelling –This can take two to three days to develop, and may take a few weeks to fade. It may extend over your chest and abdomen or back.

Bleeding (haematoma) – this may occur despite all care taken in surgery. Occasionally a second operation may be required to drain a blood clot.

Scarring – There will be scars at your place of incision for each breast. Although efforts will be made to minimise scarring, scars can become raised and thick . While most scars fade and flatten over six months to a year, some may become “keloid” and remain raised, thick, itchy and red.

Asymmetry- The shape and size can not be guaranteed between breasts. It is possible some difference will occur between size of breasts and positions of nipples. This is more common when asymmetry exists prior to surgery. A separate procedure may be necessary to correct marked asymmetry.

Change of sensation in nipple and areola- More common with peri-areolar incisions, this is usually temporary, but sensation may take several months to return to normal. Occasionally this may be permanent. Additionally, nipple – areolar sensation may be increased.

Loss of nipple and areola tissue – Very rarely, and again associated with peri-areolar incisions, the nipple and areola tissue can lose its blood supply resulting in complete or partial loss of the areola or nipple tissue. This would result in distortion and scarring at the site. Reconstruction by a skin graft may be possible to improve this.

Allergic reaction – Occasionally, women may have allergic reactions to medical products such as suture material, tapes and lotions used during surgery. Reactions to the implants themselves are very rare.

Breast feeding – Breast implants positioned behind the chest wall muscle should not interfere with breast feeding. However, existing breast tissue shape and volume may be altered by pregnancy and breast feeding, which may change the appearance of your breasts, even with implants in place.

Heart and circulation problems – Although rare, a blood clot (thrombosis) can develop, usually in a leg vein. A clot can move to the lungs or heart where it can be life threatening. A chest infection is another possible risk after general anaesthetic. Early mobilisation/leg exercises should help reduce the risk.

Breast enlargement surgery is usually performed as day surgery. On discharge you need a friend or relative to drive you from the hospital, and stay with you overnight.

Pain – During the first few days pain and discomfort are common, particularly when moving. Gradually pain should ease to become discomfort, which will typically fade in a week or two. Oral analgesics will be supplied and recommended to take when required as per Dr de Viana’s advice. Excessive pain should be notified to our office.

Drains – Although not used routinely, a plastic tube (drain) may be inserted into each breast to drain off any excess fluid if required. They remain in place until the drainage is minimal, usually only 1-2 days. Our nurse will remove the drains at our office.

Bra – A surgical bra will be supplied . It should be worn at all times ( day and night) for 2 weeks. You should have a soft crop bra available for alternate wear when required during this time. As swelling caused by surgery subsides, size and shape of breasts will change. Individuals vary greatly in healing time, but soft tissue may take 3 months to settle. Appropriate support is important during this healing time. Underwire bras should not be worn in the first 6 weeks, or longer if there is delayed healing. Breast tissue will be affected by natural loss of support over time, and the wearing of supportive bras regularly will assist in minimising this loss.

Sutures ( Stitches ) – Stitches are usually dissolvable. Any non-dissolvable sutures requiring removal will be attended by our nurse in Dr de Viana’s office.

Activity – It is very important to take things very easy for the first two weeks, but you should mobilize for short periods to improve circulation and to gradually increase activity. Getting out of bed after surgery and gently mobilizing will reduce the risk of postoperative complications including thrombosis (clots) and chest infections. Performing leg exercises, deep breathing and coughing exercises after surgery will also reduce your risk. Wear your TED (supportive) stockings whilst resting or sleeping for 2 weeks.
Strenuous activities and heavy lifting must be avoided for 4 weeks. Strain on incision lines can lead to wound breakdown. Most women performing non-physical employment may return to work in approximately 7 – 10 days. If you perform physical employment, extended time off work may be necessary. You may return to gentle sporting activities after 6 weeks and should wear a supportive sports bra. Any complications following surgery would alter this advice.

Driving – Do not drive until your range of movement and reflexes have returned to normal to allow for any sudden movements, usually 1 – 2 weeks. This can place strain on your incisions.

Wound and dressings – Leave dressings in place until your first visit back at Dr de Viana’s office. This is usually 3-5 days after your surgery. A small amount of visible ooze is normal, however excessive oozing (soaking the dressing) and leaking should be reported to our office.
Any redness around the wound or dressing, any unmanageable pain, or any fevers ( temperatures greater than 38 degrees ) should also be reported to our office.
Breast lumps may be noticed a few weeks after surgery, these are most likely due to small collections of fluid or blood. These should also be reported to Dr de Viana.

Capsular Contracture – Your body will form a capsule of scar tissue around your implant. This is a normal reaction to a artificial prosthesis. This tissue can thicken and harden, which in turn make your breast hard and painful. This condition can occur any time after surgery, sometimes in the immediate months following insertion, and sometimes many years later. If this contracture becomes severe, implant removal or replacement may be necessary.

Fluid Collection – It is normal for some fluid to collect around the implant following insertion, causing swelling and discomfort. This can also happen after vigorous exercise or injury. If the collection is excessive, surgical drainage and / or other treatment may be necessary.

Leakage or rupture of implants – This can occur due to injury, breast surgery, or very rarely, during radiological imaging to your breast. It is important to let your surgeon or Radiologist know you have implants in place. If an implant breaks or leaks, it cannot be repaired, and removal will become necessary. If your implant is saline filled, the saline is absorbed by your body ( and the implant will be deflated ). Modern silicone implants are made of cohesive gel, which minimises circulation of the gel content in the incidence of implant rupture.

Implant movement – Implants may move from their original insertion position, and can cause changes in breast shape and / or breast discomfort. Surgery may be required to restore a desirable position.

Implant extrusion – This is a rare occurence where the implant extrudes through the skin following severe wound breakdown, infection or radiotherapy. Implant removal would be necessary.

Skin rippling – Most implants will develop some wrinkling over time, but do not alter breast feel or appearance. However, if the wrinkles are large, or breast tissue is particularly thin, ripples on the breast may be felt and seen.

Surgical tapes (eg Hypafix or Omnifix) can be applied to flatten scars and reduce stretching of suture lines. The tape can stay on for up to 7 days and it is recommended to continue with the taping for 6 weeks. Remove the tape if you feel that you are experiencing an allergic reaction or excessive irritation to the tape.

Scars will take 6-12 months to fade and for this period of time they may remain red and raised. After 6 weeks you can help flatten out scars by massaging the incision lines with moisturising cream daily.

If you have medical concerns outside of our office hours, please attend Pindara Accident and Emergency Department, or your nearest emergency medical facility.

Whilst Dr de Viana will make every effort to make your breasts look equal and to your desired appearance, and take every precaution to reduce the risk of complications, no guarantee can be given of the final cosmetic result. Differences in shape, size and symmetry may remain, and / or complications may occur. It is important that you take the time to read all the information supplied, and ask all the questions you have, and understand a realistic expectation of what can be achieved with cosmetic surgery.

Once you have decided to have surgery, it will be necessary for you to sign a consent form. You should not sign this form if you have unanswered questions or feel unsure of your decision. If for any reason you feel unsure about the advice being given, ask further questions, or seek an alternative opinion.