Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure for enhancing breasts either by enlargement, reduction or reconstruction of the breast area. The majority of breast augmentations come in the form of enlarging breasts with saline or silicone implants. There are numerous benefits to breast augmentation, including improved self-image and defect correction. However, there are negative factors to consider as well, and according to the Mayo Clinic, these may include implant ruptures, pain and infection.
Positive Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, breast augmentation may improve confidence and self-image in a woman who is looking to improve her appearance. The procedure is highly personal, and after-effects may be life-changing in regard to body-image perceptions. In the case of reconstruction after removal of natural breasts due to cancer, the impact of no longer having breasts is overwhelming. Breast augmentation offers an alternative for this loss by returning a vital piece of the female body. Augmentation also offers symmetry for natural breast deformities. The after-effects of this surgery also may give a woman a sense of confidence toward her body that did not otherwise exist when she perceived a deformity from lack of symmetry. Speak to your surgeon about intended outcomes of surgery to better understand limitations of augmentation based on your personalized needs for surgery.
Negative Effects
The FDA cautions that implants may rupture or deflate for various reasons after surgery. There is no specified length of time for when rupture or deflation may occur, but there are noticeable signs to recognize. The FDA describes that augmented breasts may appear smaller or uneven, pain or burning may be present, or knots may develop in the breast. When rupture occurs that is not observable, an MRI, magnetic resonance image, is required to confirm if leakage from the implant has happened. The FDA indicates that barring significant impact to the breast, possible causes of rupture or deflation might include overfilling at time of surgery, capsular contracture or aging of the implant. The Mayo Clinic further indicates that if capsular contracture occurs, surgery is often the necessary solution due to this being a potentially disfiguring after-effect of the implant.
Additional Considerations
Infection is a serious after-effect that may also follow augmentation. Post-surgery patients are at risk for infection, and the Mayo Clinic indicates that antibiotic medications may not be successful in treating certain infections. In severe cases of infection, removal of of the implant is necessary. The National Research Center for Women and Families cautions that hematoma or blood collecting around the implant, may occur. Hematoma may become serious and medical intervention is needed to locate the cause of bleeding. Less serious effects also include pain from healing or dissatisfaction with the results of augmentation.
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