Important facts about breast augmentation risks and complications

The decision to have breast augmentation surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks of breast implant safety and potential complications are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

The risks of breast implants and complications after breast augmentation include:

• Unfavorable scarring
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Poor healing of incisions
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation, may be temporary or permanent
• Capsular contracture, which is the formation of firm scar tissue around the implant
• Implant leakage or rupture
• Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
• Anesthesia risks
• Fluid accumulation
• Blood clots
• Pain, which may persist
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Possibility of revisional surgery

Although there potentially may be complications with breast implants, they do not impair breast health. Careful review of scientific research conducted by independent groups such as the Institute of Medicine has found no proven link between breast implants and autoimmune or other systemic diseases.

Other important considerations:

• Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants.
• Pregnancy, weight loss and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime.