Breast implants

The emergency physician's day-to-day practice requires a broad range of knowledge of many aspects of medicine. Breast implants are a commonly implanted device and a working knowledge of their function and potential complications will aid emergency physicians in the care of their patients. Early postoperative complications, particularly hematomas and infection, require a close working relationship with the surgeons who perform the procedures. Knowledge of the long-term problems associated with all implant types will assist the emergency physician in making appropriate and timely referral.