Cosmetic Surgeon 411 Directory

With more than 300,000 women every year choosing breast augmentation surgery (according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, access to accurate information about the risks of the procedure has become increasingly important.

Breast augmentation has all the same risks as any other type of surgery. The best cosmetic surgeons place a high priority on patient education and will be happy to explain them. Before having your procedure, you will be asked to sign a Patient Consent Form which lists the possible complications. This is a legal requirement, to make sure that you understand what the risks are.

Risks vs. Side Effects

After any surgery there are always some temporary side effects which may be uncomfortable. They can be well-managed if you follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. They are in inevitable result of having a surgery, or having the skin incised and something done to the tissue beneath.

Breast augmentation incisions are made at the location you and your cosmetic surgeon decided upon. At that location on each side, there will be scarring and this also is not a complication. It is the body healing itself after surgery.

Immediate Side Effects

In the days following surgery there will be some breast soreness and sensitivity, bruising and swelling. These are not complications. They are inevitable side effects and will resolve by themselves as long as you follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions.

True Complications
A true complication requires immediate attention beyond what is planned for your follow-up visits or laid out in your post-operative instructions.

· An allergic reaction to the anesthesia can be life-threatening and dealing with it is the responsibility of your anesthesiologist. Whenever general anesthesia is used, your vital signs must be monitored and not until you are determined to be fully awake and alert are you allowed to go home. Because your anesthesiologist monitors you throughout your surgery, he or she will immediately detect any allergic reaction and will take steps to neutralize it.

· Excessive bleeding needs to be stopped

· Infection needs an antibiotic or other treatment

· Blood clots require treatment to prevent them breaking loose, traveling in the blood stream and eventually blocking the lungs (known as a pulmonary embolism)

· A long-term change in the sensitivity of the nipples or skin may or may not be treatable.

Ways to Minimize Breast Augmentation Risks

Your own actions are part of protecting yourself from potential complications.

· Choose your surgeon carefully. Look for board certification and investigate the number of years of experience in this specialty. Read a list of questions to ask surgeons you are considering.

· Check out the facility where you’ll undergo the procedure. Verify the credentials of your anesthesiologist and other personnel involved.

· Tell your doctor about any past or present medical conditions, and about all prescribed or over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements you are taking.

· Closely follow your surgeon’s instructions before and after your surgery. For example, your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications several days prior to or after the procedure.

· Give yourself plenty of time to heal.

As with any surgery, there are many decisions to be made when considering breast augmentation. If you in or near Houston, Texas please visit the website of triple-board-certified, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Leo Lapuerta today.