Best & Anderson, P.A. Personal Injury Blog

A record number of women received breast implants as part of breast augmentation last year. While there are many reasons for women desiring breast implants, one thing that should not be negotiable is the level of care and expertise as they go through the procedure. Unfortunately, there are mistakes made with breast implant procedures that can be debilitating, and leave both physical and psychological scars.

The two most common types of breast implants are saline and silicone filled. There are a number of different techniques on how the implants are placed in the breast. They can rest either subglandularly or submuscularly. The incision can be made beneath the breast, around the areola, or through the armpit. Because of these factors, there are many ways in which the cosmetic surgeon can err or "botch" the procedure. And, though there are a number of risks, these risks are small - yet they may be due to a lack of expertise or care on the part of the cosmetic surgeon. Some of the results of breast implant injuries include:

• Infection
• Implant rupture or deflation
• Changes in sensation of the nipple or breast
• Asymmetrical placement
• Capsular contracture
• Scarring

When some of these types of incidents occur, the patient must return to the surgical table and have them corrected at great economic cost. However, not all mistakes can be corrected.
Because this is a surgery, anesthetic must also be used. There have been cases where too much anesthetic was used, or the patient had a reaction to it because a complete medical history was not taken before the surgery. And in some cases, the patient died.

Deciding to undergo breast augmentation to receive breast implants is a very personal decision. Women expect that they will be able to come through the surgery with some kind of enhancement and feel better about their bodies. But there are occasions when negligence or malpractice occurs and irrevocably damages these women, their families, and their lives.

If you or a loved one has been injured during a breast implant procedure, please contact Best & Anderson, P.A. to see if you have a claim.