Breast augmentation is a very successful surgery, with 90% or higher satisfaction rate, but, like all surgery, it carries risk. Some of the risks associated with breast augmentation include:
- Infection
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Excessive firmness of the breasts (capsular contracture)
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Rippling
- Breast asymmetry
- Breast implant rupture
- Unfavorable scarring
So far, all proven complications of breast augmentation are local complications, affecting the breasts and the implants. These may require surgery to correct, and the results of follow-up surgery may not completely correct the problem. Breast augmentation and breast implants have not been shown to be associated with breast cancer, connective tissue disorders, or reproductive difficulties, though it is possible that very rare links have not been found. How common are the risks of breast augmentation? Clinical studies have reported these complication rates for some of the more important risks within the first three years:
- Reoperation: 13-15%
- Capsular contracture: 6-8%
- Implant removal with/without replacement: 2.8-4.6%/1.2-2.3%
- Breast implant rupture: 0.5-2.5%
- Nipple sensation changes: 3.2-10%
It is believed that a surgeon’s technique is one of the most significant factors in determining your risk of complications, so it’s important to select your surgeon carefully, and always work with a board certified plastic surgeon. To talk to Philadelphia board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David A. Bottger, please schedule an appointment today.