Risks Associated With Breast Augmentation Surgery

There are numerous and dangerous risks for women who undergo breast enlargement surgery. Complications such as infection, rippling or rupturing of implants, scar tissue that causes capsular contracture, bruising, and bleeding are just some of the risks associated with breast enlargement surgery. You should discuss the benefits and side effects of breast implants with your doctor, so you will be well informed and, therefore, make a knowledgeable decision for yourself and decide what is best for you. One of the biggest fears for women getting breast implants is capsular contracture. It is one of the most common complaints from patients who have undergone breast enhancement surgery.

As your breasts heal after the operation, scar tissue (which can include calcium deposits) forms around the incision and breast implant. Sometimes mammograms may be more difficult to interpret when women have scar tissue and calcium deposits around their breast implants. Usually the natural scar tissue, which is part of the healing process, is minimal. But, the scar tissue may shrink and harden causing a hardening of the breast. It can occur in one or both breasts. It also may desensitize the nerves in the breast. Many women who experience this excessive formation of scar tissue complain of pain in the breast and asymmetry of the breasts.

Sometimes, depending on the severity of capsular contracture, an operation must be performed in order to correct the problem. The surgeon will remove as much excess scar tissue as possible, or even replace the breast implant if needed. In a small percentage of women, capsular contracture recurs even after breast enlargement surgery to correct the problem. These women must have their breast implants removed permanently. It may take years before problems start to arise after an initial successful breast enhancement surgery. No one can tell what future problems a woman may experience with breast implants. The longer you have breast implants, the greater your risk of complications. Other complications such as asymmetry, is a common problem after breast enlargement surgery. Most women naturally have slight asymmetry of their breasts. Breast enlargement surgery can correct an uneven appearance of breast size and shape. But, an unsuccessful surgery can increase or cause size and shape differences in the breasts. Then, these women often undergo surgery to correct the problems caused from the first surgery. Infection near the incisions is another scary complication of breast enhancement surgery. Sometimes the incisions do not completely heal. Necrosis, which is the breakdown of tissue often accompanies a skin infection.

The breast implant may start to protrude through the muscle and tissue if infection and necrosis occurs. The chances that necrosis will occur increase due to a variety of factors such as: undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation of the breasts; the use of steroid drugs; cigarette smoking; among other reasons. If enough tissue breakdowns occur, the breast implant may become exposed and the breast implants must be removed to prevent further risks to your health. Breast implants may cause the undesirable rippling appearance of the breasts. This


sometimes happens with silicone implants and if the breast tissue is very thin. We have stated just some of the most common problems with breast implants and breast enlargement surgery. There are even more risks and complications that you may discuss with your surgeon. Some women have to live with scars and abnormalities caused from breast implants for the rest of their lives.

Posted in: Surgery