Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures. It is important for primary care providers who perform clinical breast exams to be well versed in complications that can occur after the immediate postsurgical period and to prepare patients with augmented breasts for the likelihood of requiring a secondary procedure at some time.
Breast augmentation continues to rank as the procedure most commonly performed by US plastic surgeons. According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons,1 307,000 breast augmentation procedures were performed in the US in 2011—a 4% increase from the previous year. Breast implants are not permanent devices, and most patients can expect to undergo a secondary procedure during their lifetime.2
Hematomas and infections associated with breast augmentation usually occur within two to 14 days following surgery, while the patient is still under the care of the plastic surgeon.2,3 For long-term complications, however, patients are likely to consult their primary care or gynecologic provider. Thus, it is important that any clinician who performs clinical breast exams be well versed in the complications, both local and systemic, that can occur after the immediate postsurgical period in patients who have undergone breast augmentation.