Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that has been performed by plastic surgeons for decades. It can provide women with the look they desire, but it is not without its potential risks. Malposition, symmastia, and implant rippling are all common complications that may arise as a result of breast augmentation surgery. While these complications can be corrected with additional surgery or other treatments, it is important to understand what causes them and how they can be prevented in the first place.
Malposition is when the implants are placed too low or too high on the chest wall. This can cause an unnatural appearance and make it difficult to wear certain clothing styles. Symmastia occurs when the implants move too close together, creating a “uniboob” effect. Implant rippling is when the implant surface becomes visible through the skin, which can be caused by thin tissue coverage or incorrect placement of the implant pockets. These complications can all be avoided with proper preoperative planning, careful surgical technique, and skilled postoperative care.
In addition to understanding these potential complications of breast augmentation surgery, it is also important to choose a qualified plastic surgeon who has experience performing this procedure. A board-certified plastic surgeon will have extensive training in aesthetic surgery techniques and will be able to provide you with safe results that meet your expectations. By taking the time to research your options and select a qualified surgeon, you can help ensure a successful outcome from your breast augmentation surgery.
High Malposition
Definition
High malposition is a common complication in breast augmentation surgery. It occurs when the implant is placed too high on the chest wall, resulting in an unnatural, artificial appearance. The implant may be visible above the natural contours of the breast or appear to be riding up towards the collarbone. This can cause a variety of aesthetic issues and can be difficult to correct without additional surgery.
Causes
The exact cause of high malposition is not always known, but it is usually due to incorrect placement of the implant during surgery or inadequate soft tissue coverage over the implant. Inadequate soft tissue coverage can occur when there is not enough skin or fat to cover the implant, or if the implant is placed too close to the surface of the skin. Other causes include poor surgical technique, incorrect sizing of the implant, and excessive tension on the tissues during surgery.
Fix
In some cases, high malposition can be corrected with a simple repositioning procedure performed by a plastic surgeon. During this procedure, your surgeon will make small incisions in your breasts and reposition your implants into a more natural position. In some cases, additional tissue may need to be added to provide better coverage for your implants. If necessary, your surgeon may also recommend replacing your implants with larger ones to create more natural-looking results.
High malposition is a common complication in breast augmentation; caused by incorrect placement, inadequate soft tissue coverage, poor surgical technique, incorrect sizing, or excessive tension. Can be corrected with repositioning or additional tissue.
Symmastia
Definition
Symmastia is a rare and serious complication of breast augmentation surgery. It occurs when the breast implants are placed too close together, resulting in a “uniboob” appearance where the cleavage area appears to be connected. In severe cases, the implants may even become partially fused together. Symmastia can be very difficult to repair and often requires multiple surgeries to correct.
Causes
Symmastia is most commonly caused by improper placement of the breast implants or by over-dissection of the tissue between the breasts during surgery. This can cause a pocket to form between the breasts, allowing the implants to migrate towards each other and fuse together. Other causes include excessive tension on the skin or muscles due to tight closure of incisions, use of too large implants, or inadequate coverage of the implant edges with tissue.
Fix
Treating symmastia can be a challenging process and often requires multiple surgeries to achieve desired results. The main goals of treatment are to separate the implants, restore normal anatomy, and improve symmetry of the breasts. Surgery typically involves releasing any adhesions that have formed between the implants, creating new pockets for them, and reconstructing any damaged tissue or muscle. In some cases, additional fat grafting may be necessary to improve contour and symmetry.
Implant Rippling
Definition
Implant rippling is a common complication that can arise after breast augmentation. It occurs when the implant begins to ripple or wrinkle, creating an uneven surface under the skin. This can be seen and felt by both the patient and their doctor. It is most commonly found along the edges of the implant, but can also occur in other areas as well. In some cases, it can become quite noticeable and cause discomfort for the patient.
Causes
There are several potential causes of implant rippling, including: inadequate tissue coverage over the implant, thinning or stretching of skin due to aging or weight loss, improper placement of the implant during surgery, and using a textured implant. Additionally, certain types of implants are more prone to rippling than others, such as saline implants which have a higher risk than silicone implants.
Fix
The best way to fix implant rippling is to replace the existing implant with one that better suits your body type and anatomy. Depending on the severity of your case, you may need to undergo a revision surgery or switch to a different type of implant altogether. You should discuss these options with your plastic surgeon before making any decisions. Additionally, you may want to consider using a thicker cohesive gel implant which has been designed specifically to reduce the risk of rippling.
In some cases, fat grafting may be used in conjunction with an implant replacement in order to provide additional tissue coverage and reduce the appearance of ripples. However, this is only recommended if there is enough fat available from another area in your body that can be used for grafting purposes.
Finally, it’s important to note that even if you take all necessary precautions and choose an appropriate implant size and type for your body type, there is still no guarantee that you won’t experience any rippling at some point down the line due to natural changes in your body over time (e.g., pregnancy or weight gain).
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
When it comes to choosing the right plastic surgeon, there are several key factors to consider. It is important to research each potential surgeon thoroughly and ask questions about their experience and qualifications before making a decision. Here are some tips for finding the right plastic surgeon for your needs:
Experience
One of the most important things to look for in a plastic surgeon is experience. Ask your potential surgeon how many years they have been in practice, what types of procedures they specialize in, and how many surgeries they have performed. Make sure that the surgeon has a good track record with successful outcomes and few complications.
Board Certification
Another important factor when choosing a plastic surgeon is board certification. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Make sure that your potential surgeon is certified by this board or another reputable organization such as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
References
It is also important to get references from other patients who have had work done by the same plastic surgeon. Ask them about their experience with the doctor, how satisfied they were with their results, and whether or not they would recommend them to others. This can help you make an informed decision about which plastic surgeon will be best for you.
Costs
Finally, cost should also be taken into consideration when choosing a plastic surgeon. While it may be tempting to go with the cheapest option, it is important to remember that quality should always come first when it comes to surgery. Make sure that you understand all of the costs associated with your procedure before committing to any particular doctor or clinic.
By researching each potential plastic surgeon thoroughly and asking questions about experience, qualifications, and references, you can ensure that you find the right one for your needs. Taking these steps will help ensure that you get quality care and achieve optimal results from your chosen procedure.
Research experience and qualifications, ask questions, get references, consider costs to choose the best plastic surgeon.