Injection breast augmentation is a non-surgical breast beauty method, which usually increases breast volume and improves breast shape by injecting autologous fat or other filling materials. Compared with traditional breast prosthesis implantation surgery, injection breast augmentation has the advantages of less trauma and quick recovery, so it is favored by many women. However, although the technology of injection breast augmentation has gradually matured, this method still has some complications and potential risks. This article will analyze the complications that may be caused by injection breast augmentation, and explore its causes, mechanisms, and how to avoid and deal with these risks.
1. Main materials and indications for breast augmentation injection
The commonly used filling materials for breast augmentation by injection include autologous fat, hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and silicone. Among them, autologous fat injection is the most common because it has good biocompatibility and is less likely to cause allergic reactions. The process of autologous fat injection involves extracting fat from the patient's abdomen, thighs or buttocks, and then injecting it into the chest after processing to increase the volume of the breast. Hyaluronic acid and poly-L-lactic acid achieve breast augmentation effects by injecting synthetic materials. Although their safety is relatively high, there are still risks.
Injection breast augmentation is suitable for women who wish to improve breast shape and increase breast volume through non-surgical means, especially for women with asymmetrical breasts, mild atrophy or small breasts. However, injection breast augmentation is not suitable for everyone, especially for patients with severe skin sagging or breast abnormalities, who need to choose with caution.
2. Common complications of breast augmentation injections
Local swelling and bruising
Local swelling and congestion are common reactions after breast augmentation injections. They usually appear within a few days after the injection and gradually subside in about a week. This is because during the injection process, the needle and filling material may cause slight damage to the local tissue, leading to blood vessel rupture and tissue fluid exudation. Although local swelling and congestion usually do not require special treatment, if the symptoms persist for too long or worsen, it may be an adverse reaction during the injection process.
Infect
Infection is one of the more serious complications of breast augmentation by injection. Although breast augmentation by injection is a minimally invasive surgery, it can still lead to bacterial infection if the operation is not standardized or postoperative care is not in place. The infection usually manifests as symptoms such as redness, swelling, fever, and severe pain at the injection site. In severe cases, abscesses may form, requiring antibiotic treatment or surgical debridement. In order to reduce the risk of infection, strict disinfection should be performed before injection, and excessive rubbing of the injection site should be avoided after surgery.
Foreign body reactions and allergies
The filling materials used in breast augmentation injections may cause local foreign body reactions, manifested as local lumps, nodules, redness, etc., especially when using non-autologous materials (such as hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, etc.), the risk of allergic reactions will increase . In some cases, patients may be allergic to certain injection materials, resulting in local skin redness, itching and other reactions. If the allergic reaction is more severe, it may be necessary to relieve the symptoms by removing the filler with medication or surgery.
Uneven or asymmetrical results
After breast augmentation by injection, the breasts may appear uneven or asymmetrical. This complication often occurs when injecting fat or synthetic filling materials. Due to the uneven distribution of the materials or different absorption rates, the breast shape may not be ideal. Especially after autologous fat injection, due to the unpredictable fat absorption, some areas may become sunken or excessively swollen, affecting the overall appearance. In this case, the patient may need a secondary injection or repair surgery to adjust the shape.
Fat embolism and vascular damage
Fat embolism is one of the serious complications that may occur during autologous fat injection breast augmentation. When fat particles enter the blood vessels and cause blood flow obstruction, fat embolism may occur, leading to local ischemic necrosis and even serious systemic complications. Fat embolism manifests as severe pain at the injection site and pale skin. In severe cases, it may cause chest ulcers or damage to other organs. Therefore, during the injection process, the depth of injection, technique and quality of materials must be ensured to avoid improper operation.
Skin necrosis
Due to interruption of blood flow or compression during the injection process, the skin in certain areas may have insufficient blood supply, leading to necrosis. Skin necrosis is usually manifested as a change in skin color, gradually changing from redness and swelling to dark purple, and eventually falling off. If skin necrosis occurs, local excision or other treatments may be required. This situation is usually caused by improper technique or improper selection of injection materials.
Tissue induration and fibrosis
After breast augmentation by injection, especially autologous fat injection, local nodules or fibrosis may occur. This is because the injected fat particles gradually form fibrous tissue in the local area, causing the breasts to become hard and unnatural to the touch. Nodules may affect appearance or cause local discomfort , and sometimes require improvement through post-injection adjustment or repair surgery.
How to prevent complications
Choose the right injection material
Different injection materials have different biocompatibility and risks. Autologous fat injection has become the most commonly used breast augmentation method due to its low risk, natural feel and biocompatibility . However, for some materials, such as poly-L-lactic acid or hyaluronic acid, it is necessary to choose approved high-quality brands to avoid complications caused by inferior materials.
Choose a professional doctor
Injection breast augmentation needs to be performed by a professionally trained doctor. Only experienced plastic surgeons can ensure the precision of the operation and avoid irregular operations during the injection process , thereby reducing the probability of complications.
Strict postoperative care
Postoperative care is the key to preventing complications. Keeping the injection site clean, avoiding vigorous massage, wearing appropriate chest support clothing, and avoiding excessive activity can help wound healing and reduce the risk of infection and other complications.
Regular follow-up
After breast augmentation by injection, patients should have regular follow-up visits to promptly understand their recovery status and make necessary adjustments . If any abnormal symptoms occur, such as persistent swelling or lump formation, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
As a non-surgical breast shaping method, injection breast augmentation has many advantages, but it is also accompanied by some potential complications. When choosing injection breast augmentation, patients should fully understand its possible risks, choose experienced doctors and high-quality materials, and make comprehensive preparations and care before and after the operation. Through scientific and reasonable operation and careful care, the occurrence of complications can be effectively reduced and the ideal breast augmentation effect can be achieved.