Table of Contents
Breast surgery is a significant decision and one that should leave you feeling confident and satisfied with the results. Unfortunately, some individuals have experienced less-than-ideal outcomes, which can be both disappointing and frustrating. It’s essential to take steps to minimise the likelihood of experiencing complications or botched results.
Luckily, there are several ways to prevent such issues, and our team at Centre for Surgery in London can help. We are a leading plastic surgery clinic in London, and our surgeons have extensive experience in performing successful breast surgeries. With our expertise and guidance, you can avoid common breast surgery mistakes and achieve the results you desire.
Types of Breast Surgery Procedures
Breast surgery is a broad category of surgical procedures aimed at enhancing or correcting the appearance and shape of breasts. Here are some of the most common types of breast surgery procedures:
- Breast Augmentation with Implants: This procedure is designed to enhance breast size using implants. It is an ideal choice for individuals who want to increase the size of their breasts.
- Breast Reduction: This procedure involves reducing the size of overly large breasts to improve their shape and match the rest of the body. It can alleviate problems such as back pain, skin irritation, and infections.
- Breast Lift: Breast lift surgery is an excellent option for women experiencing sagging or drooping breasts due to ageing, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy. It involves removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissues to give the breasts a more youthful and perky appearance.
- Breast Asymmetry Surgery: This procedure is performed to correct uneven breasts by using a combination of breast augmentation, reduction, and lift techniques. The goal is to create a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Fat Transfer to Breasts: Fat grafting is a surgical technique that involves transferring fat from one area of the body to the breasts to enhance their shape and size. This procedure can be performed alone or in combination with other breast surgeries to achieve a more contoured result.
Top Tips for Avoiding Botched Breast Surgery
Breast surgery can be a life-changing experience, providing a renewed sense of self-confidence and an improved quality of life. However, like any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications that can arise, leading to unsatisfactory results or even serious health problems. To avoid these issues and ensure the best possible outcome for your breast surgery, there are several steps you can take.
First and foremost, choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon is essential. This means doing your research and carefully selecting a surgeon who is certified by the Royal College of Surgeons and has special training and expertise in cosmetic procedures. A qualified specialist plastic surgeon will have extensive experience and will be a member of respected organisations such as BAPRAS, BAAPS, and ISAPS. Additionally, they will have hospital operating rights and access to high-quality surgical facilities regulated by the CQC that adhere to strict safety and quality standards.
It’s also crucial to avoid medical tourism, as undergoing breast surgery in a foreign country can pose many risks, including substandard medical care, inadequate follow-up care, and questionable implant quality. Instead, choose a reputable plastic surgeon and clinic in your local area with a well-established reputation for excellence and safety.
Once you’ve chosen the right surgeon, consider your motivations for getting breast surgery. Understanding why you want the procedure and what you hope to achieve can help you choose the right type of surgery and select a surgeon who can deliver the results you desire. It’s also essential to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, including quitting smoking, avoiding blood-thinning medications, and planning for your recovery.
After your breast surgery, following the post-operative instructions of your surgeon is critical to achieving a successful outcome. This includes taking your prescribed medication, caring for your incisions, attending follow-up appointments, wearing compression garments, and avoiding strenuous activities. With patience and diligence, you can ensure a smooth recovery and excellent long-term results.
FAQS about Botched Breast Surgery
Q: What are the chances of breast implants going wrong?
A: The chances of breast implants going wrong depend on several factors, including the type of implant used, the skill and experience of the surgeon, and the patient’s overall health. While complications are rare, they can include implant rupture, capsular contracture, implant displacement, and infection. It’s essential to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon and closely follow all pre-and post-operative instructions to minimize the risks of complications.
Q: How do you prevent botched breast augmentation?
A: To prevent botched breast augmentation, it’s essential to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who specialises in breast surgery. Research potential surgeons and look for reviews and testimonials from previous patients. Make sure to closely follow all pre-operative instructions, such as quitting smoking and avoiding blood-thinning medications. Additionally, attend all follow-up appointments and carefully follow all post-operative instructions to minimise the risk of complications.
Q: What are the silent dangers of breast implants?
A: The silent dangers of breast implants refer to potential health risks that may not be immediately apparent, such as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare type of cancer that can develop around breast implants. Other risks include breast implant illness (BII), a collection of symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog that some women attribute to their breast implants. While the risks of these conditions are low, it’s essential to be aware of them and monitor your health after breast implant surgery.
Q: How do they fix uneven breasts with surgery?
A: Uneven breasts can be fixed with surgery by combining breast augmentation, reduction, and/or lift techniques. The exact approach depends on the extent and nature of the asymmetry. For example, if one breast is significantly larger than the other, a breast reduction may be performed on the larger breast, while a breast augmentation may be performed on the smaller breast. If the asymmetry is due to sagging or drooping, a breast lift may be performed on one or both breasts. The goal is to create a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Q: How do you know if your body is rejecting breast implants?
A: Signs of breast implant rejection include redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness around the implant site. Additionally, fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms may indicate an infection. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your surgeon immediately.
Q: What happens when breast implants are removed and not replaced?
A: When breast implants are removed and not replaced, the breasts will naturally return to their pre-implant appearance. Depending on the duration of the implant placement and the patient’s age and health, there may be some residual changes to breast tissue and skin elasticity. In some cases, a breast lift may be performed to improve the appearance of the breasts after implant removal.
Q: What happens to breast implants after 25 years?
A: While the lifespan of breast implants varies, most implants have a warranty period of up to 10 years. After this time, the implants may need to be replaced due to wear and tear or age-related changes. However, some women may keep their implants for much longer without any issues. It’s important to attend regular follow-up.
Q: How do you know when breast implants need replacing?
A: The lifespan of breast implants varies, but on average, they last between 10 and 15 years. Over time, implants may become damaged, develop leaks, or change shape or position. Signs that breast implants may need replacing include changes in breast shape or size, discomfort or pain, or implant rupture. Regular follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon can help monitor the condition of your implants and determine if replacement is necessary.
RELATED: How do I know when my breast implants need replacing?