Breast Surgery: How to Tell Your Plastic Surgeon You Are Unhappy

Breast implants are a common procedure in plastic surgery to increase the size of your breasts, alter their shape or for reconstruction after invasive surgery. There can be many positives to undergoing a procedure to change the size and/or shape of your breasts, but not every procedure is a success and can leave some people dissatisfied with their results.

Undergoing cosmetic surgery can be a physically and emotionally trying time, so when the results of the procedure are not what you were hoping for, it can be easy to think the worst. At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we have put together some recommendations for those who are struggling to accept their surgery.

What is breast augmentation surgery? 

Breast augmentation surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of the breasts through the placement of breast implants. Typically performed under general anaesthesia, the surgery usually takes about 1-2 hours to complete. During the procedure, the plastic surgeon makes an incision in the breast tissue and creates a pocket to insert the breast implant. The implant can be positioned either under the breast tissue (subglandular) or beneath the chest muscle (submuscular), depending on the desired outcome and the surgeon’s recommendation.

Having realistic expectations about the results is important for your satisfaction with the outcome of your surgery. A qualified plastic surgeon will discuss the various types of breast implants available, as well as the risks and benefits of the procedure to help you make an informed decision. This thorough consultation ensures that you are well-prepared and confident in your choice to undergo breast augmentation surgery.

Allow time for breast implants to settle

Before rushing into any decision,  give yourself time to think about why you are dissatisfied with your implants. Are they the wrong shape? Are they too small/large? It is vital you give your body time to get used to the implants. Remember that a foreign object has been inserted in your body and it may take a while for you to get adjusted to it. Following the aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon will support your body's natural healing process and optimise the outcomes of the surgery.

You will, of course, witness a change in the size and shape of your breasts after the augmentation process, but this does not mean that this is the size and shape that they will stay at. After surgery, bruising and swelling are common, so do not be alarmed by this. The swelling will go down over time, and the implants should become more comfortable as the muscles settle over them. This process, known as breast implant drop and breast implant settling, or the drop and fluff process involves the relaxation of chest muscles and a decrease in swelling, leading to a gradual settling of the implants in the weeks following your surgery.

Be sure to keep up with the implant exercises that your cosmetic surgeon will give you as these should help with any discomfort and should allow your implants to settle properly. If you are unhappy with the results after a week or two, it is worth remembering that this may not be enough time for the implants to drop and settle in your body.

Common concerns after breast augmentation

After undergoing breast augmentation surgery, it’s common to experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising. These side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with pain medication and proper post-operative care. However, some patients may encounter more significant concerns, such as:

• Asymmetry: one breast may appear larger or more uneven than the other.

• Capsular contracture: the formation of scar tissue around the implant, which can cause the breast to feel hard or tight.

• Implant rupture: the implant can rupture, leading to changes in the breast’s shape or size.

If you experience any of these issues, contact your plastic surgeon immediately. They can assess the situation and provide guidance on the best course of action. Addressing these concerns promptly can help ensure a smoother breast augmentation recovery and better overall results.

Evaluating your results

After breast augmentation surgery, it’s important to evaluate your results to ensure you are satisfied with the outcome. Here are some factors to consider:

• Size and shape: are your breasts the desired size and shape?

• Symmetry: are your breasts even and symmetrical?

• Scarring: are the scars minimal and well-hidden?

• Overall appearance: do you feel confident and happy with your new breasts?

If you find that you are not satisfied with your results, discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. They can assess the situation and provide guidance on potential revision surgery or other corrective measures. Open communication with your surgeon is key to achieving the best possible outcome from your breast augmentation procedure.

Talk to your qualified plastic surgeon

Your surgeon has a duty of care to help you with any issues you may be having with your implants. Talk through your options with them and if there is anything you can do yourself to help ease any discomfort.

If you are unhappy with the sizing or the shape of the implants, tell your surgeon. Let them know that you are concerned with the look of them and go through what options are available to you. Over time, the implants should adopt a rounder and softer shape, which may address some of your concerns.

It may be that the surgeon recommends another procedure to correct the issue that you are having. It is important to discuss the financial aspect of this. If the procedure was fine but you are just not happy with the shape or look of them for purely aesthetic reasons, the surgeon may not be willing to perform the procedure without further payment. Remember to clarify any questions you may have about this at your consultation.

Revision surgery and corrections

Revision surgery is a procedure aimed at correcting or improving the results of a previous breast augmentation surgery. This can address concerns such as asymmetry, capsular contracture or implant rupture. Additionally, revision surgery can be used to upgrade or change the type of breast implant.

It’s important to note that revision surgery is a complex procedure requiring a high level of skill and expertise. Therefore, it should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in revision surgeries. In some cases, minor corrections can be made without surgery, such as adjusting or repositioning the breast implant to improve its appearance. However, in most instances, revision surgery is necessary to achieve the desired results.

By understanding the potential need for revision surgery and choosing a qualified plastic surgeon, you can ensure that any issues with your initial breast augmentation are addressed effectively, leading to a more satisfactory outcome.

Breast augmentation recovery support groups

The chances are that you are not the first person who has been left feeling dissatisfied by their breast implant surgery. While you may take some time going back and forth with your cosmetic surgeon about your feelings towards your implants, it’s good to have a support system around you for this.

Support groups for botched surgery may be an option for you to get some additional emotional support, they may also offer to share their own experiences with their own dissatisfying breast implant procedure.

Contact us today for breast augmentation surgery

Has your cosmetic breast implants surgery left you with questions and concerns about the success of your procedure? If so, contact us today.

We are one of the UK’s leading cosmetic surgery claims and beauty negligence solicitors. Contact us today for a call with a member of our expert team on 0808 252 0175, or fill in our online contact form to request a callback.