Understanding the Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation

Breast surgery often yields beautiful, favorable results, but like every surgery, it comes with its share of risks and complications. When you first have your consultation with a Honolulu plastic surgeon, it is essential that all of the possible problems that could arise are discussed.

Rare Infections
Infection due to breast implants is rare. It happens only one to three percent of the time. When infection does occur, it can bring with it redness, fever, swelling and plenty of discomfort. The plastic surgeon will prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. If the antibiotics fail to get rid of the infection, then the implant will have to be taken out, and it can be replaced once the wound has completely healed. This generally takes about three months time.

Bleeding
If bleeding takes place at the site of the breast implant, then the implant must be removed immediately in order to get the bleeding under control. The wound can then be thoroughly washed out and the implant can be put back into place. Signs that bleeding has started in the skin or is about to start include pain at the surgical site, bruising and very obvious swelling.

Capsule Contracture
When an implant is put into the breast, the body responds by building a protective layer of skin or a scar around the implant. This is often referred to as a “tissue capsule” or a “capsule.” It is slightly different from scar tissue because it is living tissue that will cause a slight distortion of the breast. The area will feel firm and look slightly unnatural. Often, the capsule is tender and can be very uncomfortable for the patient. Capsule contracture more commonly occurs in women who have silicone implants as opposed to saline implants. Capsules vary in their degree of severity. Some women develop very mild forms of them that cause no problems whatsoever.

When the problem is severe, a surgical incision of the fibrous capsule around the implant is required. This is known as capsulotomy. In other cases, either partial or complete removal of the capsule is necessary. This is referred to as capsulectomy. Approximately 30% to 35% of patients have to cope with recurrent capsule contracture.

Asymmetry (Implant Displacement)
In some instances, the breast implant will not remain in the correct position. It will look as though it is positioned too high, too low, or will fall to one side. In this case, surgical repair must be undertaken to remedy the problem. A slight movement is not a cause for alarm, but a large shift is worth a trip to see the plastic surgeon.

Mammography Problems
Having breast implants may make it difficult for areas of the breast to be seen when a mammography is done. This is less likely to be the case if the surgeon placed the implant under the muscle. For this reason, women who have a history of breast cancer in their family are not good candidates for breast implants.

Autoimmune Disease
The media has reported on a number of occasions that silicone implants are believed to be linked to the development of autoimmune disease. It is important to note that no scientific evidence to date has proven that this is the case.

Deflation
Breast implants made of saline can sometimes leak due to weakness in the valve or patch area, or due to them being under filled. In a matter of a few days, the breasts can shrink back to the size they were before the surgery took place. In this case, a second surgery will have to take place. The risk of an implant deflating is estimated to be four percent in the first year after surgery and one percent every year after that. The design of saline implants is becoming more advanced all of the time. It has been estimated that the latest saline implants leak in only one to five percent of cases.

The conditions discussed above occur in a very small percentage of breast surgery patients. Speaking candidly about your medical history, along with choosing the best Honolulu plastic surgeon, will reduce your risks significantly – allowing you to fully enjoy your new appearance.

About the Author

Learn more about the advanced breast augmentation methodologies utilized by Honolulu’s best plastic surgeon, Dr. Rizzo, who has decades of trail-blazing expertise in Hawaii plastic surgery.