Risks
During the consultation process you will have the opportunity to discuss the potential risks of breast augmentation surgery, in addition you will be given material for review at home that will further detail these issues.
Potential complications that may be discussed with you include reactions to anesthesia, bleeding and infection. Although rare, an infection that does not subside with appropriate treatment may require temporary removal of the implant. Changes in nipple or breast sensation are uncommon and when they occur are usually temporary.
When a breast implant is inserted, a scar capsule forms around it as part of the natural healing process. The capsule may sometimes tighten and compress the implant, causing the breast to feel firmer than normal. Capsular contracture can occur to varying degrees. If it is severe, it can cause discomfort or changes in the breast’s appearance. In such cases, more surgery may be needed to modify or remove the scar tissue, or perhaps remove or replace the implant. Dr. Simon does everything possible to minimize the incidence of this particular problem.
Breast implants are not lifetime devices and cannot be expected to last forever. If a saline-filled implant breaks, the salt water content is harmlessly absorbed. A definite change in the size of the breast is clearly noticed. Rupture can occur as a result of trauma to the chest, but more commonly it occurs spontaneously with no apparent cause. Surgery will be required to replace the implant, if desired. As a patient of Dr. Simon’s, after the initial few postoperative visits you will be followed annually.
Mammographic examinations are performed regularly on women with breast implants. There are several additional views that are required, however most breast imaging centers today are quite familiar with dealing with patients with implants.