Medicine Contraindications in Breast Implant Surgery

Introduction:

A type of cosmetic surgical procedure that includes placing saline or silicone-filled implants which help in improving the appearance of the breast is called breast implant surgery. It is usually a safe procedure, but some contraindications are associated with breast implant surgery. Patients should be aware of these risks and complications before the procedure. Contraindication can involve some medical conditions or, in the case of a particular medication, that will potentially harm the patient. Some of the common medical complications include pregnancy, blood clotting disorders, active infections, cancer, allergic reactions, autoimmune disorders, or in case of mental health issues.

What Is Breast Implant Surgery?

Breast augmentation surgery or breast implant surgery is a type of cosmetic procedure that includes the placement of saline or silicone-filled implant material under the breast tissue or under the muscles present in the chest, which helps in improving the appearance, size, and shape of the breast. This cosmetic surgical procedure is usually done under general anesthesia by making an incision under the breast or around the areola or in the armpit through which a breast implant is inserted. Breast implant surgery helps increase the breast's size and volume after weight loss or pregnancy. It helps in improving the symmetry of the breast. The choice of breast implant material depends on the body type, shape, and outcome of an individual. Breast implant surgery can also be associated with some potential risks and complications like bleeding infection, leakage or rupture of the implant, change in the sensations, numbness near the breast region, and sometimes the development of scar tissue.

Which Are the Medicines That Are Contraindicated in Breast Implant Surgery?

Some medications can increase the risk and complications and can cause side effects during or after breast implant surgery. So some of the medications are contraindicated in breast implant surgery. They include the following:

• Blood-Thinning Medications - Anticoagulants or blood-thinning medications help in removing the clots present in the blood. Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Warfarin are some examples of blood-thinning medications. These anticoagulants or blood-thinning medications can have an increased risk of bleeding during and after surgical procedures. So these blood thinner medications are contraindicated for several days after the surgery.

• Corticosteroids - The use of corticosteroids can reduce or weaken the immune system. A weakened immune system can result in infection after surgery or cosmetic procedure. So cosmetic procedures and surgeries delivered under corticosteroids are no longer used. Prednisone is an example of a corticosteroid.

• Herbal Supplements - Some herbal supplements, like garlic, can increase the chances of bleeding, which will interact with anesthetic medicine. Before the start of the procedure, one should clearly mention to the surgeon about the herbal supplements taken, and it should be stopped before the surgery itself.

• Antidepressants - Anti-depression medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can also increase the chance of bleeding, which will interact with anesthetic medications. The surgeons will adjust the dosage of antidepressants or delay the surgery till the medication is no longer needed.

• Diabetes Medications - Insulin or oral hypoglycemic medications which are used for diabetes can affect the level of blood sugar before, during, and after the surgery.

What Are the Medical Contraindications in Breast Implant Surgery?

Some of the medical contraindications in breast implant surgery include the following:

• Breastfeeding or Pregnancy - Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant are contraindicated from breast implant surgery. Breast implant surgery can affect the production of milk and can also cause various other complications during pregnancy.

• Active Infections - In the case of any active infections present in the body, the surgical procedure is contraindicated until the infection has cleared up. The active infection can interfere with the healing process after the surgery and can also increase risks and complications.

• Blood Clotting Disorders - People having any blood clotting disorder or under blood thinning medications are contraindicated from breast implant surgery because it can have an increased chance of bleeding and other complications.

• Autoimmune Disorders - In the case of autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, breast implant surgery is contraindicated due to various risks and complications like capsular contracture.

• Cancer - In patients with a history of breast cancer or people who are at higher risk of developing breast cancer are contraindicated from breast implant surgery because it will be difficult to detect any changes or lumps in the breast tissue.

• Allergic Reactions - In people who have any allergic reaction to the materials which are used in the breast implants like saline or silicone. These individuals are contraindicated from breast implant surgery.

• Mental Health Issues - People having any mental health issues like body dysmorphic disorders are not indicated for breast implant surgery. These people have unrealistic expectations. So a stable mental state and realistic expectations are needed for undergoing these surgical procedures.

What Are the Complications of Breast Implant Surgery?

The potential risk and complications associated with breast implant surgery include the following:

• After the surgical procedure in some people, an infection can be seen, which is usually resolved using antibiotics.

• Capsular contracture or scarring around the implant material can be seen, which causes pain, hardening of the tissue, and changes in the shape of the breast.

• A collection of fluid or blood under the skin called seroma or hematoma can be seen near the surgical site, which results in pain, swelling, and discomfort.

• There can be chances of leakage or rupture of the implant material, like saline or silicone-filled gel implants, which can result in swelling, pain, and even a change in the appearance and shape of the breast.

• Wrinkling or rippling of the implant can be seen in people who have minimal or thin breast tissue.

• Sometimes there can be temporary or permanent changes in the sensation, and numbness can be seen in the breast or nipple area.

• Sometimes breast implants need to be replaced due to some complications or changes in the size and shape of the breast tissue and due to the preference of the patient.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, breast implant surgery is a type of cosmetic procedure that helps in improving the appearance and aesthetic benefits of breasts. There are some contraindications associated with breast implant surgery. So it is not advisable for certain people. Always discuss past medical history and concerns with a qualified health professional, which helps in ensuring safe and appropriate surgical procedures for each patient.