Approximately 300,000 women in the United States have breast augmentation surgery each year. Around 80 percent of surgeries are performed for cosmetic reasons while around 20 percent are performed as reconstruction after breast cancer surgery. The most common types of implants are saline filled and silicone gel filled, while other materials are currently in FDA-monitored clinical trials. As with any surgery, numerous risks are involved and they should be carefully weighed with potential benefits.
Complications at the Site
Complications at the site of surgery include leaking, bleeding, scarring, infection, hematoma, irritation, necrosis (dead tissue), pain, chest wall deformity, rupture, nipple changes, calcium deposits, deflation, delayed wound healing, atrophy of breast tissue, milk leaking from the breasts when not nursing, displacement, drooping, change in breast sensation, wrinkling and inflammation. Capsular contracture can also occur, which involves the breast tissue tightening around the implant. These complications vary from being a cosmetic problem to being life-threatening. Many of the complications require surgical implant removal or another operation to place new implants or cure deformities.
Systemic Complications
Systemic complications are complications that involve more than the breast area. Surgical complications can occur, including problems related to anesthesia, pain medication or a systemic blood infection. Many women feel they have experienced long-term systemic complications from leaking or ruptured implants, but this has not been proven to a scientific certainty.
Traumatic Rupture
A breast implant can rupture during a car accident, mammography procedure or from any trauma to the area. A ruptured implant should be surgically removed. It will be obvious to the wearer and physician when a saline implant has ruptured. Silicone gel implants must be checked by MRI every 2 to 3 years to ensure they have not ruptured.
Psychological Effects
One of the most serious psychological dangers of breast enhancement surgery is that the woman will not be satisfied with the results. Breasts could be deformed or unequal. If breast implants are removed, the breast is unlikely to look as it did prior to the first surgery. Women who are treated differently after a breast enhancement may develop insecurities. Another psychological danger can occur if a woman believes that larger breasts will give her confidence or self-esteem and feels traumatized if that does not occur.
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