Breast augmentation is a complex procedure, and the FDA has conducted numerous studies to determine the level of risk related to certain complications. Many problems do not appear until years after the initial surgery, so breast augmentation candidates need to be aware of both the short-term and long-term risks of the surgery.
Infection
One of the most common short-term problems associated with breast augmentation is infection. As with any surgery, infection of the surgical site is possible and usually manifests within a few days or weeks. While some pain is to be expected, severe pain and fever coupled with redness or other wound discoloration may be a sign of infection. It is always important to consult with a physician as soon as possible if infection is suspected. Serious cases can lead to toxic shock syndrome, which can be fatal. In severe cases, the implant is removed, treated and replaced after the infection subsides.
Capsular Contracture
Scar tissue forms inside the breasts around implants as a natural reaction to a foreign substance in the body. Sometimes the capsule of scar tissue becomes too tight around the implant, squeezing it and causing discomfort. Pain resulting from a capsular contracture ranges from mild to severe, and the breast may feel overly firm. If the implants harden, it can make detection of breast cancer difficult because it interferes with the clarity of mammograms. A capsular contracture will not usually heal on its own, and surgery is typically required to remove the scar tissue and/or replace the implant. Once a capsular contracture has occurred, it is likely to happen again and require additional surgeries.
Rupture
The silicone casing that covers implants can tear or break due to a defect in the implant, accident or injury, an accidental cut during surgery or aging of the implant. Saline implants usually deflate rather quickly when ruptured, while silicone ruptures often go unnoticed unless breast pain, swelling, tenderness or numbness is present. An MRI can confirm a suspected rupture, while a mammogram is not accurate enough. Implants can break and rupture at any time, but the FDA has found that most rupture within 10 years. Removal of ruptured implants is generally necessary to prevent damage to healthy breast tissue and other disease-related complications.
Re-operations
Many breast augmentation patients end up having at least one more surgery to correct a problem. A rupture, capsular contracture, displaced implant, infection or hematoma is usually responsible for a follow-up procedure. A 2000 FDA study found that 303 of 907 participants reported that they had had at least one surgery to remove or replace an implant. A 2005 FDA study of Mentor silicone breast implants found that 12% of augmentation patients had had at least one follow-up surgery after only two years.
Disease
Some studies suggest that there may be a link between breast implants and other diseases such as autoimmune disorders and fibromyalgia. Many breast augmentation patients report flu-like symptoms, memory problems, joint pain, fatigue and concentration problems years after the procedure. A study conducted by Dr. Noreen Aziz of the National Cancer Institute found that 97% of women with pain and rheumatology symptoms felt better after having their implants removed, while 96% of those who did not have them removed felt worse over the following months. An FDA study found that women with extra silicone around the scar outside the implant were 2.8 times more likely than women without excess silicone outside the implant to report that they had fibromyalgia.
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