How long after breast augmentation until your out of the woods for most risks?

I cover all risks and benefits of the procedure with my patients. Our discussion includes postoperative complications. I see my patients one day after the surgery and update their instructions so they can avoid any problems. Sometimes complications can happen less than 1% a year on average. 

Breast implants in general are a low-risk procedures. However, there are some risks that occur at different stages. Risks of bleeding including hematomas typically occur in the first few days. 2 weeks after surgery it is exceedingly uncommon to have those complications beyond one month. Capsular contracture has the highest risk in the first few months after implantation. A low risk of capsular contracture remains throughout the lifetime of the breast implant.
Complications of implant position or visibility of the implant ( for example bottoming out and or rippling) have more to do with selection and placement of the implant at the time of the operation. Proper implant selection (ie using a size of implant appropriate for your body) and proper selection of implant pocket (for example partial retropectoral or dual-plane) will minimize these risks for the patient over her lifetime.

Hello,Thank you for your question. The risk of forming a hematoma is the highest within a few days of your surgery. I advise activity restriction and my patients are instructed to avoid substances which can increase bleeding risks for a time before and after surgery. The pocket is considered to be strong at 6 weeks and most often people can resume regular activities then without risking damage or malposition of the pocket. Capsular contracture is most likely to develop within the first couple of months as well but can, on rare occasions, develop after several months or years.I recommend that you talk with your plastic surgeon about their protocols for minimizing risks so that you can ensure the best, possible outcome.All the best 

Fortunately, most risks like infection and hematoma formation following breast augmentation are concerning for the first 3-6 weeks following surgery. The risk for capsular contracture and breast shape changes like bottoming out, can occur at any time. It is always best to discuss these long term concerns and how to prevent them with your ABMS certified Plastic Surgeon.  

Thank you for your question.  Complications are few and far between but certainly should be discussed with your plastic surgeon prior to your procedure.  Complications such as hematoma would likely present within weeks of your procedure but events such as contracture or bottoming out could present after months.  My strong advice is to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss all risks and concerns.  Best of luck.

Hello!

Thank you for the information provided. 6-8 weeks until your out of the woods, but capsular contracture can happen at any time. If you already had surgery, talk to your PS about this concerns.
Best regards!

Thank you for your question, 6-8 weeks should be enough time to be clear Every surgeon has different post op care instructions and advise for their patients consult with your your PS to discuss any concerns.

sms.   I ask my patients to refrain from heavy lifting and cardio workouts for 4 weeks after breast augmentation, mostly to avoid postop bleeding.  I have seen bleeding as late as 27 days after breast augmentation, never later.  Long term complications include capsular contracture, but unpredictable. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Thank you for sharing your excellent question. Hematomas are risks that would occur most commonly in the first couple of weeks after surgery when your tissues are swollen and recently dissected from the operation.  This is why most surgeons tell patients to avoid strenuous activity during early recovery.  Capsular contracture and implant malposition are life-long risks that can vary as your breast tissues age.  If appropriate selection of an implant is performed the risks are minimal.  Hope this helps.

Most complications occur in the first few weeks, as it takes 6 weeks for complete healing. If bottoming out occurs, it is usually apparent by 3-4 months.