Breast Augmentation Surgery - Long Term Concerns
Undergoing a breast augmentation surgery is a big step for many women. Although the minimum age for surgery is 18, many women have found that their body changes, even after this age. While the procedure is safe, some patients have found that having the surgery too earlier can create complications later in life.
For anyone looking to improve their overall appearance,
there are several plastic surgery options available; breast augmentation surgery has quickly and quietly become the surprise stand out. Most popular among younger women, this option dramatically improves the overall size and appearance of the breasts. While this surgery can seemingly do wonders for the patient's appearance and self-esteem, there are a few disadvantages.
With its popularity among young women, there are some side effects that can have a big impact on the patient later on in life. For instance, numbness and scarring can create issues for breast-feeding mothers. Certain incisions techniques can harm the nerve-endings in the nipples or areola. While this may not seem like an issue at the time of surgery, having sensation in this area is vital for the production of breast milk. Although most patients may never experience this problem, it is important to keep in mind that any incision involving these areas could potentially be an issue. Even without damage to the areola or nipple, studies have shown that women with breast implants may produce less milk. Some women may also experience excessive scar tissue, which can also have an effect on their ability to breast feed.
Although advancements in breast implants have decreased the likelihood of a rupture, it is still important to take precautions. A rupture in a saline implant is easy to identify. While rippling and wrinkles are a common occurrence for patients with these implants, a ruptured implant will look completely deflated. This is because the saline solution is so similar to the body's of chemistry that it can be easily absorbed. Therefore, a rupture in a saline implant is completely harmless, despite the unnatural look that comes with these deflated devices. Detecting a silicone implant rupture is a little more complicated. The solution in these implants is very thick and cannot be absorbed by the body. A breast that has experienced a rupture looks unharmed. Some women have experienced health complications when the silicone is left unattended and allowed to travel throughout the body. Therefore, patients with silicone implants should visit their doctor for a yearly MRI scan for at least the first three years. After this time period, an occasional MRI is still necessary, but the likelihood for a rupture decreases.
Since most breast augmentation surgery patients are young women, it is important to remember that the body is still growing, even past the age of 18. Although the surgery and implants are safe, it is possible to have complications later as the body changes, and the patient begins to have children.
