Breast Augmentation Risks
Breast augmentation has been performed safely for many years, but it important to note that all surgery comes with some risk. Some breast enhancement risks are anesthesia-related, and are not specific to the breast augmentation procedure. These are risks that could occur during other types of surgery, as well. These could include:
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Poor wound healing
- Infection
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Scarring
Risks that are Specific to Breast Enlargement
There are other risks that are specific to breast implants, or breast implant surgery. These may include:
- Changes in sensation
- Severe bruising
- Leaking
- Rupture
- Capsular contracture (see below)
Capsular Contracture
While you are recovering from breast augmentation surgery, your body will begin to surround your breast implants with a layer of scar tissue. This is your body’s normal reaction to the breast implant. However, the scar tissue will sometimes contract and squeeze the implant, making the breast appear unnaturally firm. This is called capsular contracture.
Capsular contracture is the most common complication of breast augmentation surgery; however, with proper exercise and daily breast massage, you can help minimize the degree of capsular contracture. You should be aware that if capsular contracture does develop, a corrective operation may be required to remove or release the scar tissue.
Although breast enhancement surgery, as well as any other type of surgery, does come with some risks, many breast augmentation complications can be avoided if you closely follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions.