Risks of Breast Augmentation

Many patients worry about breast augmentation risks, you should know that it is like any other surgery; of course, it has many risks and side effects. However, since knowledge is power, you should consider all the risks before deciding to do breast augmentation.

After surgery, you may experience some temporary pain, swelling and bruising, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. All of these side effects are very normal; it shouldn’t last for more than a few weeks after the procedure, give your body the chance to heal and adjust to its new shape.

However, breast augmentation surgery carries many risks, it is not a very common risk, but as potential patients, we think that it is your right to know about every possible risk. The most common risks of breast augmentation include:

Capsular contracture due to shrinking of the scar tissue around the implant.
Breast pain.
Noticeable scarring that does not fade away.
Infection, usually require implant removal.
Excessive bleeding during surgery.
Changes in the breast sensation.
Implant leakage or rupture may cause folds or small lumps in the implant called silicone granulomas.
Changes in implant position.
Loss of the ability to breastfeed or lack in breast milk production than normal.
Nerve damage to the nipples, which means temporary or permanent increasing, decreasing, or losing sensation in the nipples.

In addition to that, some women suffer from less common complications from breast augmentation surgery, such as:

Excessive bleeding during surgery.
Possible allergic reaction to the anesthetic.
Forming blood clots in the veins.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma or ALCL is linked to breast implant.

Different implants come with different risks, which is why the patient needs to know implant types and choose the one that suits her the most with fewer possible side effects and complications.

Does breast augmentation increase cancer risk?

No, breast augmentation does not increase cancer risk. Breast implants, both saline and silicone, do not appear to be connected to a higher likelihood of breast cancer. A meta-analysis of ten trials revealed no evidence of an increased risk of breast cancer in females who have breast implants. Furthermore, a few studies over the years found that females with implants had a lower incidence of breast cancer. This is more likely attributable to the characteristics of females who select breast implants, such as being skinny, than to the implantable devices themselves. So, there is nothing to be worried about when it comes to breast augmentation and cancer.

Is breast augmentation high risk?

Breast implants that have been approved by the FDA have undergone thorough testing to establish adequate confidence of efficacy and safety. The great number of females who have breast implants have no significant issues. Nonetheless, there are dangers connected with breast implants, such as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and systemic symptoms such as weariness, “lightheadedness,” muscle or joint discomfort, and rash that some patients ascribe to their implants. If a complication arises, patients should seek the advice of a board-certified plastic surgeon as soon as possible.

To sum up, breast augmentation is not a procedure that can be called as high risk.

References:

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/safety

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/risks-and-complications-breast-implants