Written: Complications of breast prosthesis

Side effects of breast prosthesis and important points Although breast prosthesis is known as one of the most popular methods of cosmetic surgery, like any medical intervention, it can be associated with complications. According to scientific studies, the most common complications include post-surgical infection, prosthesis rupture, displacement, chronic pain, and change in nipple sensation. Knowing these things helps the patient make a more informed decision and follow the post-operative care more seriously. ### Prevention and management of complications Choosing an experienced surgeon, using standard prostheses and strictly following medical recommendations after surgery play a significant role in reducing the incidence of complications. Patients should know that most potential problems can be managed with early diagnosis and proper follow-up. Finally, expert pre-operative consultation will be the best way to achieve a safe and satisfactory result. Infection after breast prosthesis is an important point in cosmetic surgery Infection after breast implants is one of the main concerns among patients who undergo cosmetic surgery or breast reconstruction. Although this surgery is performed to high standards and under sterile conditions, like any other surgery, there is a chance of infection. Scientific studies show that the prevalence of infection after breast prosthesis is reported between 2 and 5%. This amount can increase in situations where post-operative health care is not strictly followed or the patient has underlying diseases such as diabetes and weak immune system. ### Signs and symptoms of infection after prosthesis One of the keys to quick diagnosis of infection is patient awareness of warning signs. The most common symptoms include redness and swelling in the surgical area, unusual or increasing pain, purulent discharge from the incision site, fever, and a general feeling of weakness. In severe cases, the skin around the prosthesis may change color and become more sensitive. Any of these symptoms can indicate the beginning of an infection and require an immediate visit to the surgeon. A delay in tracking symptoms increases the risk of infection and even the need to remove the prosthesis. ### Causes of infection after prosthesis Infection can be caused by various reasons. Failure to fully comply with sterile principles during surgery, weak patient's immune system, use of low-quality prostheses or insufficient care in the days after surgery are the most important factors for causing infection. Also, some external factors such as trauma to the chest or neglecting medical advice (such as swimming, wearing tight clothes, or intense sports during recovery) can cause this complication. ### Treatment strategies for breast prosthesis infection The treatment method for post-prosthetic infection depends on the severity of the symptoms and the patient's condition. In the early stages, taking strong antibiotics by mouth or by injection can help control the infection. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to drain the secretions and wash the surgical area. If the infection is widespread or the prosthesis is damaged, the doctor decides to temporarily remove the prosthesis to replace it with a new prosthesis after the infection is completely controlled. Although this decision is difficult for the patient, it is medically necessary and prevents more serious complications. ### Prevention is the best solution Prevention is always easier than cure. To reduce the possibility of infection after the prosthesis, it is very important to choose a skilled surgeon and a well-equipped surgical center. In addition, full compliance with post-operative care such as regular use of prescribed medications, proper bathing, use of special clothes and avoiding heavy activities during the recovery period is very effective. Patients should consult their doctor without delay as soon as they see suspicious symptoms so that treatment can be started on time. Although infection after breast prosthesis is a rare complication, it is necessary to pay attention to it in order to maintain health and a successful result of the surgery. Recognizing the early symptoms, choosing an experienced surgeon, using standard prostheses, and observing post-operative care are the best ways to prevent this problem. Finally, awareness and timely follow-up of the patient will be the main key to maintaining safety and achieving a satisfactory result in breast prosthesis surgery. Moving the breast prosthesis is a problem that should not be ignored Displacement of the breast prosthesis is one of the possible complications after cosmetic surgery or breast reconstruction, which can directly affect the final result of the operation. In this case, the prosthesis moves from its original place and the natural shape of the breast changes. According to scientific studies, a small percentage of patients may face this problem, but knowing the causes, symptoms and treatment strategies plays an important role in its prevention and management. ### Symptoms of displacement of breast prosthesis Displacement of the prosthesis is usually characterized by an apparent change in the shape of the breast. Asymmetry between the two breasts, abnormal protrusion on one side, the sensation of movement of the prosthesis when touched or changing the position of the nipple compared to before the operation, are the main symptoms of this condition. Some patients also complain of pain or discomfort in the operation area. In more severe cases, displacement can cause stretching of the skin and overall change in the shape of the chest, which requires immediate surgical intervention. ### Causes of prosthesis displacement Several reasons can cause displacement of the prosthesis. Improper choice of prosthesis size, weakness or thinness of breast tissue, use of low-quality prosthesis, neglecting post-operative care and performing heavy sports activities or sudden movements during recovery are common factors. Also, the experience and skill of the surgeon plays a decisive role in the correct fixation of the prosthesis in the right place. Research has shown that modern surgical techniques and the use of standard prostheses minimize the possibility of this problem. ### Diagnosis methods Prosthesis displacement diagnosis is usually done by clinical examination by the surgeon. In some cases, imaging such as MRI or ultrasound is used to be more sure. These methods make it possible to accurately check the position of the prosthesis and the condition of the surrounding tissue. Quick and early diagnosis can prevent the problem from progressing and the need for repeat surgery. ### Prosthesis displacement treatment solutions The treatment of prosthesis displacement varies depending on its severity and type. In mild cases, the condition of the prosthesis may be improved by using special bras and adequate rest. But in most cases, corrective surgery is necessary to return the prosthesis to its proper place. This surgery usually involves repairing the capsule around the prosthesis and fixing it in the correct position. If needed, prosthesis replacement will be done to achieve more natural and lasting results. ### Ways of prevention Choosing an experienced surgeon, using high-quality prostheses, determining the right size based on the anatomical conditions of the body, and strictly following the post-operative care are the best ways to prevent the displacement of the prosthesis. Patients should avoid heavy activities in the first months after the operation and use special support clothes. Also, regular visits to the surgeon after the operation help to identify and manage any possible changes in time. Displacement of the breast prosthesis is rare, but it can affect the beauty and health of the patient. Recognizing the warning signs, paying attention to post-operative care and choosing the correct surgeon are the most important ways to reduce the risk of this complication. In case of displacement, quick visit to the doctor and appropriate treatment will be the key to return to a normal and satisfactory result. Change in nipple sensation after prosthesis, cause and solutions Changing the sensation of the nipple after prosthesis is one of the common and yet predictable side effects of breast cosmetic surgery. Many patients experience some degree of numbness or increased sensitivity in the nipple after the operation. These sensory changes are usually temporary and return to normal within a few months to a year. However, in some cases the changes may be long-term or even permanent. Knowing the scientific reasons for these changes and their management methods will help patients worry less and go through the recovery process better. ### Why does nipple sensation change? The main cause of changing nipple sensation after prosthetic surgery is temporary irritation or damage to the surface nerves around the breast. During the procedure, to place the prosthesis, tissues and nerves are involved, and this issue can lead to a temporary change in the transmission of nerve messages. The type of surgical incision also has an important effect; An incision around the areola is more associated with altered sensation, while an incision under the breast or axilla is less likely to cause numbness. Also, the size of the prosthesis and the degree of elasticity of the breast tissue can play a role in the intensity of sensory changes. ### Duration of return of normal sensation The return of nipple sensation depends on various factors. In most patients, normal sensation returns within three to six months. However, in some cases, the healing process may take longer and last up to a year or more. Experience shows that younger patients and those who choose smaller prostheses will see the return of normal sensation more quickly. On the other hand, using large prostheses or putting too much pressure on tissues can increase the time it takes for sensation to return. ### Is the change in sensation permanent? Although most sensory changes are temporary, there is also the possibility of permanent changes. Scientific studies have shown that about 10 to 15 percent of patients may experience some degree of permanent sensory loss. This change may take the form of numbness, hypersensitivity, or even a tingling sensation. The severity of this condition depends on the skill of the surgeon, the technique used and the individual condition of the patient. ### Management methods and reduction of sensory change Choosing an experienced surgeon and using standard surgical techniques is very important to reduce the possibility of changing nipple sensation. After the operation, following the recommended care such as avoiding direct pressure on the chest, using special support clothes and avoiding heavy activities during the recovery period will greatly help the recovery process. In cases where the change in sensation is longer than usual, physical therapy or nerve stimulation treatments can play an effective role in returning normal sensation. Changing the sensation of the nipple after the prosthesis, although it is worrying for many patients, but in most cases it will be temporary and transitory. Knowing the causes of this change, being aware of the time it takes for sensation to return, and following the post-operative care, can reduce the severity of concerns. Careful preoperative counseling and selection of a skilled surgeon are the keys to achieving a safe and satisfactory result. Therefore, patients should know that this sensory change is a natural part of the surgical process and in most cases, it will return to normal with the passage of time. You can contact Dr. Reza Pourriahi's clinic to receive advice on breast prostheses.