Patients should pay a special attention to their breast during the first two months after their breast augmentation.
During the first days
During the first days, the breasts can feel sore and tense. The plastic surgeon might therefore prescribe some painkillers to ease the pain. Even if the breasts are not painful you might feel a sensation of tightness in your breasts.
One week after the breast augmentation, most of the patients might resume their professional activities. During six weeks you need to avoid sports, high reaching and heavy exertions. Sleeping on the tummy is also advised against during the first few weeks.
Risks with breast implants
Even if complications remain an exceptional phenomenon, some risks still exist. Those risks will be reviewed with your plastic surgeon during the initial consultation.
Late seromas after a breast enlargement
One year after a breast enlargement, less than 1% of patients might face a late seroma syndrome (periprosthetic fluid collections).
According to Dr. JM O’Donoghue:
«Late seromas are a cause of patient anxiety and can be a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians. Diagnostic dilemmas can lead to delays in management which may have significant consequences. »
Late seromas usually present with unilateral swelling. Bilateral simultaneous late seromas are very rare.
Differential diagnoses of unilateral breast swelling in the presence of breast implants include late haematomas secondary to traumatic tears in the presence of double capsules, late infection, implant rupture, generalised breast oedema and a breast mass. A careful history and examination is paramount as it will direct the most appropriate investigation.
In the case your breast would swell abnormally more than one year after your breast enlargement, get in touch with Clinic BeauCare.
Management of the late seromas
Management of late seromas depends on the cause. In the absence of infection or implant rupture, simple drainage may suffice for those seromas proven to be benign. This is most often the case.
For those cases which are refractory to simple drainage or have an associated infection, implant rupture or capsular contracture, then surgical exploration with appropriately targeted management is warranted.
Read more links
- Read more about the textures of breast implants and the risk of capsular contracture
- Read more about a breast augmentation and galactorrhea
- Read more about the placing of a breast prosthesis here
- Read more about the first consultation when getting a breast augmentation
- See the all-in costs for a breast augmentation
- See before and after pictures of a breast augmentation
- More information on the procedure and results of a breast enlargement
- Know more about breast enlargement