There are many reasons why millions of women have chosen breast augmentation to enhance the appearance of their breasts. Whether breasts are small, uneven, or lack fullness, augmentation with breast implants can make a significant impact on your overall silhouette. At Dr. Jules Walters in New Orleans and Metairie, LA, we have served numerous patients by helping them achieve an attractive and youthful outcome.
During your initial consultation about breast augmentation surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jules Walters will cover the benefits and potential risks of getting implants. While some surgeries may result in complications, our staff is diligent in teaching patients how to spot the initial signs of breast implant problems before they get worse. Learn about these breast implant complications by reading the following information and contacting our clinic to schedule your consultation.
Breast augmentation surgery and implants
Breast augmentation is an excellent procedure for patients who have undergone changes in their bust line due to aging, breastfeeding, or weight loss. At Dr. Jules Walters, Dr. Walters will review your medical history and make sure you are a good candidate in order to lessen your risk of breast implant complications. This means asking about any preexisting medical conditions or serious diseases that may interfere with the healing process. We also help patients by addressing their questions and concerns.
Dr. Walters will help you select the right breast implants based on your body size and desired outcome, which may include Vectra 3D images that provide a realistic simulation of how your augmented breasts could look after surgery. Implants are made in a range of shapes, sizes, profiles, and textures, and each one is carefully considered to customize your treatment plan. The most common implant types are saline and silicone, both safe and popular options approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When preparing for surgery, we will provide guidelines for postsurgical care as we approach your surgery date.
Bottoming out
As with any procedure, there are some risks involved in going under the knife. After undergoing breast augmentation surgery, a small number of women may experience what is called “bottoming out.” This occurs when one or both breast implants fall below the crease where they were originally placed. As a result, the breasts appear too low on the chest. Bottoming out can happen slowly over time or all at once depending on the cause, such as a weight fluctuation, pregnancy, or trauma. It is most likely to happen in patients whose implants are too large for the natural breast tissue to support.
To determine if your breast implants are bottoming out, take a look at the tissue and nipples. As the implants move in a downward direction, the nipples may turn upward, appearing higher and pointier than usual. Often, the scar will look as if it is moving up on the breast. Other signs include pain or discomfort in the area, stretching skin, and thinning skin underneath the breasts. If you experience any of these issues, reach out to Dr. Jules Walters in New Orleans and Metairie, LA, so we can determine the best course of action. We may suggest breast revision surgery, switching to smaller implants, or removing the breast implants altogether.
Capsular contracture
When an implant is placed, the body naturally reacts to the foreign object by forming scar tissue around it. When the scar tissue becomes too thick, this can become a problem. Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue hardens around one or both of the implants. In addition to causing discomfort, watch out for these signs of breast implant issues:
- Changes in skin sensation
- Hardening of the breasts
- Unnatural appearance of the breasts
Again, if you are experiencing one or more of the above breast implant complications after augmentation, contact Dr. Walters at Dr. Jules Walters right away. He and his compassionate team will help you take the next steps to looking and feeling great again.
BIA-ALCL
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is not breast cancer but a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is a cancer of the immune system. BIA-ALCL is found in the scar tissue near the implant, but may also spread throughout the body. Though a patient’s risk of getting BIA-ALCL is very low, this cancer is serious when not treated right away. The main symptoms are swelling, pain, or a noticeable mass in the area of the breast implant. Patients should know that these symptoms can occur years after the incision has healed. BIA-ALCL is usually treated by surgically removing the implant and scar tissue. If the cancer has advanced, we will provide you with information about the treatments that will follow surgery.
Contact Dr. Jules Walters
Breast augmentation surgery with implants is a popular surgery that has helped numerous women get the look they desire. While this cosmetic procedure is considered safe and produces wonderful results, we encourage you to read about the signs of breast implant problems and inform a member of our team at Dr. Jules Walters if you have any issues. Dr. Jules Walters is pleased to offer procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift, and more at our facility in Metairie, LA. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
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