Benefits of Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the five most popular cosmetic procedures. The number of women receiving breast implants has increased every year for the last ten years. Breast augmentation can enhance the fullness, shape and symmetry of a woman’s breasts, improving the balance of a woman’s figure and increasing her self-confidence. It can also be used to reconstruct the breast area after a mastectomy. It is often used to restore fullness by women whose breasts have been affected by pregnancy or significant weight loss.

Post-Operative Risks

The most common risk associated with breast implant surgery is “capsular contraction,” in which the scar tissue around the implant begins to harden and contract, affecting the softness and the natural contour of the breast. Capsular contraction is more common with silicone implants than with saline, and properly massaging the breast tissue after the operation can help reduce the likelihood of the condition occurring, so it is important to follow the doctor’s post-operative instructions regarding daily breast massage. Capsular contraction can be rectified with corrective surgery, but since even the corrective surgery will leave a scar tissue capsule around the implant, the risk of recurrence exists.

Another risk associated with implants is called “rippling,” an unevenness in the surface of the implant. This condition can be caused by misplaced implants or implants that shift position inside the pocket after surgery. Severe cases of rippling can be corrected by replacing the implants.

As is always the case with surgery, there is the risk of post-operative infection. Most infections may be successfully treated with antibiotics, but in more serious cases the implants may need to be removed until the infection is properly treated.

Long-Term Risks

Patients should be aware that breast implants do not last forever. One of the risks associated with implants, though slight, is the risk of leakage or even rupture. When saline implants rupture or leak, the fluid is harmlessly absorbed into the body. Patients will usually be able to detect saline implant ruptures when they occur because the breast will deflate. A patient may choose to replace the ruptured implant.

In the case of silicone implants, even when the implant ruptures the fluid might not leak out of the implant and even then might not cause the breast to deflate, meaning there might not be visible symptoms. Recipients of silicone implants should plan to get MRI scans periodically to assure the implants remain intact. Ruptured or leaking implants will need to be replaced.
Patients should also be aware that breast implants can interfere with breastfeeding and may affect the ability to detect certain types of breast cancer.