Like any surgery, breast augmentation poses certain medical challenges. Patients may experience side effects from the implants or from the medications used during surgery or post-operative care; or they may experience risks during the procedure itself.
Read more about our Breast Augmentation & Enhancement Surgery.
Breast Implant Risks and Side Effects
These include:
- Rupture and deflation of saline implants. When a saline implant ruptures, the saline is absorbed by the body, since it closely matches the body’s own electrolyte balance. However, the implant may deflate as saline leaks out.
- “Silent rupture” of silicone gel-filled implants. Today’s silicone implants are designed to capture any escaped silicone. However, a rupture is very unlikely to cause symptoms in patients. In fact, most patients will experience a “silent rupture,” in which there are no symptoms.
- Pain may be caused by “capsular contracture,” in which scar tissue forms around the implant and puts pressure on it. Or it may be caused by nerve damage or changes in the muscles. In some cases, the pain is idiopathic – it has no identifiable cause. These are pretty infrequent situations.
- Problems with breast-feeding. Many people can breast-feed after augmentation with no problems. But in some cases, implant surgery can interfere with breast-feeding.
- Additional surgeries to correct problems such as scar tissue or rupture. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the implants.
Breast Augmentation Surgery Risks and Side Effects
In addition to risks from the implants themselves, the surgery to insert them can pose certain risks – just as any surgery can. These include:
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia, medications, or other substances. It is vital to alert your doctor to any allergies you have and medications you are taking, so that the surgery team can avoid using medications that interact badly with your current meds and avoid exposing you to known allergens.
- Scarring or problems with wound healing. Although one study found that only 1 percent of breast augmentation patients disliked their scars, risks can occur when incisions are made.
- Blood clots, hematoma, and other post-surgery complications. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to minimize the risk of these problems.
- Increased risk of infection. Although hospitals work hard to keep operating and recovery rooms as clean and sterile as possible, surgeries can increase the risks that germs could invade and an infection could result.
For a free, private consultation about your breast augmentation surgery options in Cleveland, please call our team at The Cosmetic Surgery Center at (216) 264-8100.
About Dr. Goldschmidt
Matthew Goldschmidt, MD, FACS is a cosmetic surgeon with an impressive list of academic and professional achievements. He is board certified by two surgical boards which include the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, for body, breast and facial surgery, as well as the Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.