Is Breast Augmentation Safe?

Many women will say that having a larger bust is a top appearance goal, which is why breast augmentation surgery is consistently one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. But women considering breast augmentation procedures have also undoubtedly been warned by friends, family, or medical providers about the risks and complications associated with this form of surgery — especially implant procedures.

Anyone concerned about whether breast augmentation is safe must understand how the specific type of procedure can impact the risks and complications involved. For example, at Innovations Medical, Dr. Bill Johnson and our team only perform natural breast augmentation involving fat transfer without implants.

Using natural fat transfer instead of implants has a significant positive effect on the safety of our Enhanced Breast Augmentation procedures. The following guide will provide a clear picture of the different approaches to breast augmentation and the risks, complications, and overall levels of safety involved.

Breast Augmentation Procedures Explained

Breast augmentation is a form of cosmetic surgery that aims to increase breast size, lift the breasts, and enhance the overall shape. The results of a breast augmentation procedure will vary depending on the patient’s goals, body type, and the method used by the surgeon.

There are two main types of breast augmentation surgery: standard breast augmentation with implants and natural breast augmentation using fat transfer.

Standard Breast Augmentation With Implants

This is probably what most people think of when thinking of breast augmentation. Breast augmentation with implants involves placing an implant, usually made of silicone or saline, beneath the breast tissue or chest muscle. Surgeons usually perform procedures using general anesthesia and make an incision either in the fold beneath the breast, around the areola, or in the underarm to create a pocket and insert the implant.

Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

Fat transfer procedures involve using liposuction techniques to remove fat from an unwanted area, such as the belly or love handles, purify it, and reinject it into an area that can enhance appearance, such as the breast or buttocks. Breast augmentation with fat transfer has several key benefits compared to standard breast augmentation with implants:

• Longer-lasting results
• More natural appearance and feel
• Less risk of complications

Understanding the Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation

Many risks and complications associated with breast augmentation procedures involve using implants. These include:

• Scarring
• Implant rupture or leakage
• Capsular contracture, which is when scar tissue can compress or damage the implant
• Allergic reactions to the implants
• Additional surgeries to repair or replace the implants
• Breast pain and changes in sensation
• Bleeding
• Infection

Although breast augmentation with implants is generally considered safe, especially when performed by an experienced and reputable cosmetic surgeon, anyone considering this type of procedure should fully understand the potential safety issues involved.

Because natural breast augmentation with fat transfer only involves the injection of a patient’s own fat, there is no risk of the transferred fat rupturing or the body having an adverse reaction to it. Additionally, the less invasive nature of the procedure means less scarring, and the ability to perform breast augmentation in-office means less exposure to healthcare-related infections that can be present in hospitals and other facilities. This is why breast augmentation is generally considered a safe procedure, according to multiple studies, including this 2016 study.

One of the issues that can be associated with breast augmentation with fat transfer is fat necrosis, where the transferred fat doesn’t survive in the new area. Although this can negatively impact the aesthetic results of the procedure, it does not typically represent a safety issue for the patient. Enhanced Breast Augmentation using state-of-the-art techniques can help to increase survival rates by a substantial margin.

Any surgical procedure comes with some risk of complications, and the best way to ensure a safe breast augmentation is to work with an experienced and reputable cosmetic surgeon. Patients should also be prepared to discuss all safety concerns with a prospective surgeon and follow all pre- and postoperative instructions.

Advanced Breast Augmentation at Innovations Medical

Dr. Bill Johnson of Innovations Medical was one of the first physicians in North Texas to perform Natural Breast Augmentation using fat transfer and has performed hundreds of these procedures. First, we’ll help you choose an area with unwanted fat. This fat will then be harvested using minimally invasive tumescent liposuction techniques. This enables our team to perform these procedures in-office.

Patients are given full instructions and guidelines for the breast augmentation recovery process. After the procedure, some amount of bruising and swelling is normal. Expect to take some time off work and exercise while fully recovering.

The recovery process for most patients takes about six to eight weeks. During this time, it is essential to eat a healthy diet and avoid alcohol and tobacco products to increase blood flow and maximize the survival of the transferred fat. Practicing good sleep habits and avoiding sleeping on your side or stomach is also important.

Contact Innovations Medical to Learn About Our Breast Augmentation Procedures

If you’re looking for a fuller and shapelier bust, Innovations Medical is here for you. Our skilled professionals help you decide which treatment is best for you – keeping you informed and confident in the next steps. We’ve been helping our patients look and feel their best since 2005, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.

To find out if our breast augmentation surgery is right for you, and to learn how Innovations Medical can improve your life, call us at (214) 643-8665 or schedule a consultation.