Breast Augmentation Risks
Complications (as with any other surgical procedure) can happen in breast augmentation surgery. We recommend you read the specific complications outlined in the Food and Drug Administration pamphlet.
To obtain this free pamphlet, contact the F.D.A. Consumer Information Line at 1.888.INFO.FDA (1 888.463.6332.) The Food and Drug Administration website can be found at www.fda.gov. A copy of this form will also be provided during your consultation. More information on the safety of silicone breast implants can be found at www.nap.edu. These surgical procedures will be performed on an outpatient basis, in the hospital, or in an ambulatory surgery center under general anesthesia.
The most common problem, capsular contracture, occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten. This squeezing of the soft implant can cause the breast to feel hard. Capsular contracture can be treated in several ways, and sometimes requires either removal or “scoring” of the scar tissue, or perhaps breast implant removal or replacement.
As with any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding following the operation may cause some swelling and pain. If excessive bleeding continues, another operation may be needed to control the bleeding and remove the accumulated blood.
A small percentage of women develop an infection around an implant. This may occur at any time, but is most often seen within a week after surgery. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new implant can then be inserted. Some women report that their nipples become over-sensitive, under-sensitive, or even numb. You may also notice small patches of numbness near your incisions. These symptoms usually disappear over time, but may be permanent in some patients.
There is no evidence that breast implants will affect fertility, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. If, however, you have nursed a baby within the year before augmentation, you may produce milk for a few days after surgery. This may cause some discomfort, but can be treated with medication prescribed by your doctor.
Occasionally, breast implants may break or leak. Rupture can occur as a result of injury or even from the normal compression and movement of your breast and implant, causing the synthetic shell to leak. If a saline-filled implant breaks, the implant will deflate in a few hours and the contents will be safely absorbed by the body. If a break occurs in a gel-filled implant, however, one of two things may occur.
If the shell breaks but the scar capsule around the implant does not, you may not detect any change. If the scar also breaks or tears, especially following extreme pressure, silicone gel may move into surrounding tissue. The gel may collect in the breast and cause a new scar to form around it, or it may migrate to another area of the body. There may be a change in the shape or firmness of the breast. Both types of breaks may require a second operation and replacement of the leaking implant. In some cases, it may not be possible to remove all of the silicone gel in the breast tissue if a rupture should occur.
What are my options to correct problems with my implants?
If you are unhappy with your implants or have complications such as rupture, deflation or capsular contracture, in most cases breast implant revision surgery can correct the problem, restore an aesthetically pleasing breast shape, and ensure your implants are as safe as possible. Dr. Branman is experienced in multiple techniques for breast revision.
