COSMETIC BREAST SURGERY

Appropriate follow-up care, including early postoperative serial mammography, is essential for women receiving cosmetic breast surgery. Common procedures include augmentation or reduction mammoplasty and breast reconstruction following mastectomy for cancer. Postoperative complications include infection, poor wound healing and pain. Hypertrophic scar formation, which may disrupt the normal breast contour, may be reduced by gentle and frequent massage of the scar. Avoiding sun exposure and using sun screens may prevent hyperpigmentation of the scar. Reduction mammoplasty is associated with sensory loss, which is occasionally permanent. Special complications associated with augmentation mammoplasty include diffusion of silicone through the implant and unfavorable breast appearance secondary to capsular contracture. Capsular contracture may be prevented by regular implant exercises. Preoperative and early postoperative serial mammograms are essential to differentiate surgical from malignant changes.