Breast Augmentation

1. Capsular contracture (hardening of the breasts by the presence of scar compressing the implant) - Every individual forms some scar around the implant. This is a normal response of the immune system to a foreign body. For not completely understood reasons, some individuals form thicker scars than others. A thick scar may distort the breast and even cause discomfort. The incidence of this problem has decreased since the use of smooth implants and submuscular placement and is approximately 10%. When treatment is warranted, the scar is incised or removed and the implant is replaced.
2. Interference with mammography - Implants interfere with the ability to image the breast by mammography to a variable extent. Implants placed behind the pectoralis muscle allow the breast to be imaged more effectively by a method called the Eklund Technique. Using this technique, the presence of implants does not represent a statistically significant risk to patient of missing an early breast cancer.
3. Deflation - The incidence of implant leakage is approximately 2% per year. Today's implants are better than a decade ago, and so it is difficult to accurately predict what the true leakage rate is. It may actually be lower. In the event of implant deflation, saline (the solution of which 70% of our bodies are made up of) leaks into the surrounding tissues and is absorbed. A relatively brief, simple surgical procedure is required to remove the old implant and replace with another. Implant manufacturers cover the cost of implant replacement for up to 10 years and assist with the cost of surgery as well.
4. Interference with breast-feeding. This complication is extremely rare. It is possible to divide the ducts that empty the breast gland and thus interfere with lactation. Additionally, the breasts may be too uncomfortable when engorged, and so lactation may be hindered in this way.
5. Visible rippling -Individuals with small breasts that have had a large augmentation can be at risk for visible rippling of the overlying skin. This problem is much more common with textured implants and those placed above the pectoralis muscle.

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