28 Jul 2025
The breasts occupy critical real estate on any woman’s torso. If they are not the right size or shape for your body, it may have a seriously detrimental effect on your self-confidence. Today, there are any number of procedures for improving the appearance of the breasts. Patients posting photos on social media extolling the virtues of their breast augmentation, for example, have become so prevalent as to basically normalize the procedure. This has been fantastic for removing any kind of stigma that used to be attached to having breast surgery. But this kind of popularity can also make many forget that placing an implant is still surgery. And surgery always carries a certain amount of risk. However, there are steps that you can take to help prevent post breast surgery complications. The first is to schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Boston
Surgery is an area where experience matters. Breast surgery has been a cornerstone of my practice since I became a board-certified plastic surgeon over 15 years ago so I have performed countless:
• Breast Augmentation with a Breast Implant
• Fat Grafting to the Breast
• Breast Lift
• Mastopexy Augmentation
• Breast Reduction
Not only does this mean that my goal is to deliver an excellent aesthetic result, but it also means that if a complication does arise, I know the steps to take to handle it. I practice precise surgical techniques and am up to date on the latest safety innovations. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area is one of the best steps that you can take to prevent post breast surgery complications. You want someone who really listens to you, but who will also be honest about what it will actually take to achieve your desired outcome.
Honesty Works Both Way
When it comes to keeping you safe, honesty has to work both ways. During your initial consultation, I will ask a lot of in-depth questions about your medical history, family history, any prior procedures you may have had as well as how your body responded. Failing to be upfront about a pre-existing medical condition
or the fact that you are taking a certain drug, even if it’s recreational, could increase your risk of developing a breast surgery complication. Our consultation is a judgement free zone, so this is not a time to hold anything back.
Right Breast Surgery for Your Anatomy Reduces Complications
Another reason why I am such a huge advocate of an in-person consultation is that any breast surgery procedure can only be effective if it suits your individual anatomy and needs. During our meeting, I will perform a physical exam to assess:
• Native breast volume
• Degree, if any, of sagging skin
• Nipple position
• Skin tone & texture
Together, we will discuss the best breast surgery options for delivering your desired outcome. For some, this may mean a breast lift. A common issue that I see among my breast revision patients is someone who chose to place a bigger implant instead of getting a lift. The weight of this large implant places too much stress on the skin and tissues of the chest which ultimately results in implant malposition.
Follow Post-Op Instructions
The last thing that you can do to help prevent post breast surgery complications is to follow your post-op instructions to the letter. This can be a hard one for some patients. Maybe you’ve been unhappy with the size and shape of your chest for years so now that you finally have your dream breasts, you want to take them for a ride. And you can, with time and within reason. Generally speaking, I want you up and moving gently about immediately after surgery. If you’ve had a breast lift or breast reduction, your downtime is going to be a little more intense than if you’ve just gotten implants. But all breast surgery requires that you take it easy for a while. I don’t want you doing any upper body workout, reaching across a table or swimming until I give you the go ahead. This may be frustrating at first, but it is a small price to pay for ensuring that your fabulous new body contour stands the test of time.
Unfortunately, any surgical procedure has a risk of post operative challenges and complications. The best course of action is to understand this fact and speak with your surgeon about whether or not you have any underlying factors that may
increase your risk of post op complications. Also, establishing a clear plan of action with your surgeon if complications do arise is part of the set up for success.
To find out more about breast surgery, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.
