Possible Complications

Every activity in life, whether driving automobiles or having surgery, is associated with risk. The following inherent risks must be understood and assumed by the patient if we are to proceed with this operation. Although most patients have a very satisfactory result, complications may occur following any surgical procedure. Complications requiring reoperation are probably higher following breast implant surgery than any other type of aesthetic operation, and when including implant replacement, close to 100% of patients end up requiring at least one more operation during their life times. Problems which can arise include those already mentioned associated with the implants (including ruptures and capsular contractures) and the following: infection, hemorrhage into the breast pocket, chronic pain, increased breast asymmetry, an abnormal "double fold" along the bottom part of your breast, an abnormal lowering of the breast fold, breast flattening or indentation upon tightening of the pectoral muscles, unsightly scars at the site of the incision or untoward reactions to anesthetic administration.

A moderate amount of discomfort is normal with every procedure, but breast augmentations, particularly with implants placed beneath the muscles, results in significant discomfort, perhaps analogous to that felt after a C-section. You will be given ample pain medication to help control the discomfort.  In addition, at the time of your procedure, your surgeon can insert a pain relief pump, a tiny catheter through which local anesthetic can be infused during the first few days after surgery.   

Should unusual bleeding occur after the procedure, your breast will immediately become noticeably asymmetrical (the one with the bleeding will be much larger), painful and swollen. This will necessitate a return to the operating room to stop the bleeding and to remove the blood clot, and result in additional fees to the patient. 

Infection, a rare complication, usually cannot be cleared unless the implant is temporarily removed to allow complete obliteration of the infection before the implant can be replaced. This can take up to six months before it is safe to reinsert the implant.

Other problems, which occur but are usually of transient nature, include allergic reactions to medications, postoperative nausea or vomiting, hypersensitivity of the nipples, tightness in the chest wall and shooting or burning pains at the sides of the breasts. Frequently one or both nipples or other areas of the breasts may become numb temporarily, but occasionally this may prove to be permanent.

A rare and unsubstantiated, but possible, relationship between the silicone gel and connective tissue disorders such as arthritis and lupus has been alleged. There are other very rare potential complications from this operation in addition to the ones that have been mentioned, but it is not possible to advise you of every conceivable complication. Serious complications, even death, after any type of cosmetic surgery are relatively rare. The need for reoperation after breast augmentation, as has been mentioned, is common, but most patients end up with a very satisfactory result.

There are also other very rare potential complications from this operation in addition to the ones that have been mentioned, but it is not possible to advise you of every conceivable complication.

The foregoing was not intended to frighten or upset you, but to insure that your decision to have this operation is made with your awareness of the possible risks.