From the Research
Compartment syndrome following breast augmentation is a rare but serious complication that requires immediate medical attention, and treatment typically involves urgent surgical intervention to release the pressure, which may include removing the implant, evacuating any hematoma, and performing a fasciotomy if necessary 1.
Causes and Risk Factors
Compartment syndrome after breast augmentation can occur due to various reasons, including:
- Postoperative bleeding (hematoma) that creates pressure within the confined space of the breast pocket
- Overly tight surgical closures
- Excessively large implants relative to the breast tissue envelope
- Trauma to the area It is essential to recognize the signs of compartment syndrome, which include severe pain disproportionate to the expected post-surgical discomfort, extreme breast firmness, decreased sensation, and skin changes.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of compartment syndrome is primarily clinical, based on patient presentation and physical examination findings. Treatment of compartment syndrome involves urgent surgical intervention to release the pressure, which may include:
- Removing the implant
- Evacuating any hematoma
- Performing a fasciotomy if necessary The surgeon will then manage the wound appropriately and may consider reimplantation at a later date once healing is complete.
Importance of Prompt Recognition and Treatment
Prompt recognition and treatment of compartment syndrome are crucial to prevent permanent tissue damage, implant failure, and poor aesthetic outcomes. As noted in a recent study, management of complications following implant-based breast reconstruction requires early recognition and aggressive treatment to prevent reconstructive failure and long-term complications 1. Another study found that prior augmentation does not significantly increase overall postoperative complications in women undergoing skin- or nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate prosthetic reconstruction, but the rate of hematoma formation is higher in augmented patients 2.
Key Considerations
In the management of compartment syndrome following breast augmentation, it is essential to consider the following:
- Early recognition and treatment are critical to prevent long-term complications
- Surgical intervention may be necessary to release pressure and prevent tissue damage
- The surgeon should manage the wound appropriately and consider reimplantation at a later date once healing is complete
- Patients should be counseled on the potential risks and complications of breast augmentation, including compartment syndrome, to ensure informed decision-making.