Breast Implant Surgery Complications

For many Orange County women, the breast implant cosmetic surgery is an opportunity for them to improve their body image and their self confidence at the same time. Women opt to have this surgery performed for a variety of reasons, and it is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures in Newport Beach. While this surgery is designed to provide cosmetic benefits and is not medically-necessary, it is still a major operation. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications that patients should be aware of prior to the operation itself.

What are the Complications of Breast Surgery?

Capsular contracture is one complication that patients should be aware of before they decide to have this surgery. During capsular contracture, the body forms a layer of scar tissue around the implant. This layer, or capsule, is known to contract. It can make the breast hard, and the condition is quite painful for the patient. If capsular contracture occurs, the patient must have a second surgery in order to address the condition.

Infection is a relatively common but minor complication of the breast implant surgery. In most cases, antibiotics can be used in order to treat the infection, but in severe infections the implant may have to be removed. Infections are most common during the first six weeks of the recovery process.

Rippling is another common complication of breast surgery, but it can easily be addressed by the cosmetic surgeon. Rippling typically occurs when the implant filling moves and causes a ripple in the implant itself. Depending on the size and placement of the implant, wrinkles, ripples or bumps may appear on the woman’s breasts. Patients who experience rippling should set up a follow-up appointment with the surgeon.

In some cases, the implant itself may rupture. Saline implants do not pose a health risk to the patient, and in most cases the excess saline is simply absorbed into the body. Silicone implants pose more complications, because the gel may leak slowly and cause pain. Either way, the breast will appear deflated and a revision surgery may be needed.

Displacement is a rare complication associated with the breast surgery procedure. Displacement happens within a few days, and is considered a condition in which the implant itself slips out of place. It is most common with large implants, and additional surgery is required in order to correct the displacement of the implant.

While there are several complications associated with the breast implant procedure that patients should be aware of, it should be noted that most of these complications are rare. In addition, the risk of complications after the operation are minimized significantly when the patient opts to work with a cosmetic surgeon who is considered an expert in this particular procedure. All patients should discuss their individual health and environmental risks with the surgeon during their initial consultation in order to gain the best understanding of this procedure and the recovery that they will endure after it is complete.