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Breast Augmentation Risks

asked 2 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Eric Chang, MD
Question viewed 9,087 times
Tags: complication, risk

hi. i am an admited worry wort. i want to get breast implants, its just that i worry about the risks. i have researched lots of questions here on this site and also went to the fda web site for understanding risks. the list on the fda site:

* reoperations (additional surgeries), with or without removal of the device
* capsular contracture (hardening of the area around the implant)
* breast pain
* changes in nipple and breast sensation
* rupture with deflation for saline-filled implants
* rupture with or without symptoms for silicone gel-filled implants
* migration of silicone gel for silicone gel-filled breast implants.

Do doctors think this is comprehenisve list? are these one in a million type of problems or one in ten?  in other words, what are actual risk of bad complications from BA?

35 answers to Breast Augmentation Risks

+6

Risk of Breast Augmentation

I think the list you have is the more common issues that can arise, but a comprehensive list would be larger and can be detailed in a pre-operative consultation. One can calculate that the need or desire for a repeat surgery after a breast augmentation is about 20-24% during your lifetime. The most common reasons for the second surgery would be capsular contracture, rupture of the implant, sagging or implant position change. Implant rupture rates are about 1% per year, capsular contracture... more
Julio Garcia, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+4

Risks of breast augmentation

Hello, When properly performed and discussed the experience of breast augmentation is uniformily a positive one for patients. I think the most common "bad" experience is not getting the size that you wanted. This happens from insufficient communication between patient and surgeon. All of the complications you listed are possible but they are rare, non-life threatening, and correctable. Choose a plastic surgeon that is board cetrified, that has a lot of... more
Remus Repta, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

www.aaaplasticsurgery.com

+4

Breast implants are safe. . .but, EVERYTHING in life (including surgery) has some risk.

Worry wart or not, these and many others are wise questions to have answered by an experienced, board-certified (American Board of Plastic Surgery) plastic surgeon who does more than a few breast enlargements per year. I have been in practice for over 20 years, do hundreds of breast surgeries per year, and I still have some patients who request or require re-operation. Fortunately, very few, but my perfection badge has not yet arrived in the mail! To answer your posted questions... more
Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS

Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon
+3

Breast Augmentation Risks over a 7 year period

Here are some numbers of a study supplied by one of the breast implant manufacturers. Some of these risks appear to be quite elevated, but keep in mind that this study is over a 7 year period. Inclusions to the list of Postoperative Complications may or may not be directly related to the reason for which the surgery was performed or to the surgery itself. For example reoperation may be related to wanting a change in size -bigger or smaller - due to: pregnancies, wieght... more
Carlos Cordoba, MD

Montreal Plastic Surgeon
+3

Breast Augmentation Risks

These are some of the main points in regards to Breast Augmentation Risks: The risks associated with breast Augmentation procedure exists but are limited  if your surgeon is methodical, patient and critically evaluates his result to improve his outcome.   The most important and frequent complication is capsular contracture. Because of a variety of techniques and methodologies we employ in our practice the risk of this complication is very limited... more
Ali Sajjadian, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+3

Lots of questions good before breast implants

It's great that you are giving this a lot of thought before just jumping into it. If you decide to go through an operation like breast augmentation, or any cosmetic procedure, it's important to grasp not only the risks but the potential benefits. I agree with the other physicians who have commented, you should visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to try and get some of these questions answered. In the end, no surgeon can offer you an operation free of any complications, but you... more
Daniel Sherick, MD

Ann Arbor Plastic Surgeon
+2

Real risks, real benefits

Hi! Good for you for doing some research! I always encourage patients to consider the risks of a procedure before going through with it. While most cosmetic procedures are safe, they are still real surgeries, and it is important that patients understand the potential risks. Most patients are extremely satisfied with breast augmentation. That said, the risks you have listed are real. I always tell my patients that breast implants are a bit like buying a car in the sense that both are man-made... more
B. Aviva Preminger, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast Augmentation is Unfortunately Not Without Potential Complications

While many women are satisfied following cosmetic breast augmentation, many others are have significant complications that not infrequently lead to the need for additional surgery. In fact, according to the FDA, “It is likely that you will need to have one or more reoperations over the course of your life because of local complications from breast implants.” According to data submitted to the FDA by the manufacturers of approved breast implants: Women who undergo... more
David Greenspun, MD, MSc

New York Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast augmentation risks

Like most cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, breast augmentation tends be safe when performed by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.  However, it must be stressed that there are substantial risks associated with this operation, and although they are rare, they can be costly to correct, and emotionally troubling to put it mildly.  The most common complications experienced include the following:  nausea and vomiting, infection, hematoma (bleeding)... more
Kelly Gallego, MD

Sioux City Plastic Surgeon
+2

Risk with breast augmentation

As with any other surgery, breast augmentation also come with its risks. You have done pretty good research and those are the main risks associated with breast augmentation. To help answer your question, the risks associated with breast augmentation are pretty low and the success rate is pretty high. Most patients are extremely happy with their results and would do it all over again in a heart beat.
Richard H. Fryer, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast implants are safe.

Hi. All I can tell you is that if my daughter were flat chested and wanted breast implants, I would tell her to do it. Most patients are very happy, and the occasional problems are local to the breast and do not affect your health.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Risks of breast augmentation

It's great that you are doing your research about breast augmentation and considering the risks and benefits. The risk of device rupture is usually <2% over the course of 7 years. Most women will require a reoperation at some point, as implants are not lifelong devices and do wear out usually within 10 years. Capsular contracture has been reported to be as high as 15%, although the newer generation of implants seems to have a lower risk, closer to 5% (but no hard data on this yet). ... more
Nina S. Naidu, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+2

Worried about breast augmentation

You should go to a reputable plastic surgeon and ask to see their consent form. This will list the potential complications in detail. Most of these are rare especially in the hands of an excellent and very experienced plastic surgeon with the properly selected and prepared patient. If you are too worried, don't deny this and just do some more research and wait on surgery until you are comfortable enough to proceed. Nobody will guarantee anything, but the risks are pretty rare. more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Being a worry wort is ok

Its ok to worry. and its ok to do your homework! the list of risks you mentioned are relatively comprehensive. that being said, most of these risks are quite low. there are some things that will definitely happen, given enough time, such as need for replacement of implants. other things, like breast pain and change in nipple sensation are actually quite low. silicone implants have been proven to be quite safe and i believe the risk of capsular contracture... more
Eric Chang, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

www.columbiaaesthetic.com

+1

Breast Augmentation Complications

You are smart to be considering the risks associated with breast augmentation surgery. These risks include leakage, encapsulation, loss of sensation, interference with mammography, movement of the implants and the probable need for further surgery in your lifetime. You may find the link below to be helpful. Best Wishes.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Complications and Risks of Breast Augmentation

Satisfaction rates among breast augmentation patients are among the highest of all plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States.  Over 90% of patients report satisfaction with their breast augmentation and 95% feel that their appearance has been significantly improved.  Despite this high satisfaction rate, there are risks associated with breast augmentation that must be considered before undergoing surgery.   Risks of Breast Augmentation... more
Jaime Perez MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Implants - Risks, Concerns, Safety

Hi, Those are some of the risks.... There are risks with all surgical procedures, and risks with everything you do in daily life - including walking across the street, riding a bicycle, etc. It is not possible to eliminate risk, so what you want to do is minimize it and, in the event of a problem of some kind, be prepared for early recognition and prompt intervention. That combination typically makes complications, which are fortunately rare, even less of a long-term... more
Alan Engler, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Risks

The internet is a very helpful tool for information gathering, however, it can also create an immense amount of questions regarding any type of cosmetic procedure.  The best way to approach is to see several board cerified plastic surgeons and address your concerns and find the one that you feel the most comfortable with .
Edward J. Bednar, MD

Charlotte Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation risks

Surgeons that are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons often will give you a 10+ page document to discuss the risks and benefits with you. We often give this document to patients to act as a checklist for discussion with the office so patients feel like they have considered the major issues.  The best option is picking a very good surgeon who performs breast augmentation frequently (and well!).
Pramit Malhotra, MD

Ann Arbor Plastic Surgeon
+1

Complications and breast implants

Reviewing the possible complications of breast implants can be daunting.  Certainly they exist and should be considered in consultation with your plastic surgeon.  Overall the risk of sertious complications is small but real and should be seriously considered. Wishing you all the best.
Talmage J. Raine, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

BBA Benefits vs Risks

You have researched the risks and I would advise you to discuss these, in detail, during your consultation with your board certified plastic surgeon. Most patient fears are alleviated during this appointment. Once you have discussed the risks and the benefits with your surgeon you will be empowered to make an informed decision on what is best for you. Best wishes! 
Christine Sullivan, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation risks

I hear your concern.  Although breast augmentation is safe, simple surgery, when we think of "going under the knife," we tend to worry a lot.  It is normal human nature.  You do have comprehensive list of breast augmentation risks.  Breast augmentation can be done safely when done by experience plastic surgeons.  The risks of OR and anesthesia should be minimal on healthy patients.  However, you do have to remember that implant is a safe medical... more
Sugene Kim, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Complications of breast augmentation

Although research of complications on the internet can be useful, an experienced plastic surgeon should take the time to review how relevant the complications you are discovering actually are,  I would encourage you to arrange a consultation by a board certified plastic surgeon to explore the issues.
Terrence Murphy, MD

Englewood Plastic Surgeon
+1

Risks of Breast Augmentation Surgery

There are potential risks to breast augmentation surgery or any surgery. The best way to protect yourself from a complication is to select the appropriate plastic surgeon for you. This means finding a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic surgery with appropriate training credentials and experience. Search realself for how to choose a surgeon for more information on how to select a surgeon. The following is a list of some things to discuss with your plastic... more
Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

+1

Assessing risks of breast augmentation

As with any surgery it is important for the patient to understand the risks associated with having the procedure.  Fortunately breast augmentation surgery is quite safe.  There are literally millions of women with breast implants, some for over 40 years, most of them are quite satisfied.  There is a wealth of knowledge available about risks of breast implants, as this issue has been studied thoroughly.  As you well pointed out, one needs to categorized the risks as... more
Boris M. Ackerman, MD

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Risks of Breast Augmentation

You have a pretty comprehensive risks for breast augmentation surgery. With any surgery, there are risks associated with general anesthesia as well. The risks listed usually occur less than 5 percent of the time. Patients should be aware that implants do fail over time and are not meant to last a lifetime. To learn more about breast augmentation visit our site below.
Ankit Desai, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Questions about Breast augmentation

Those are all excellent questions and you should discuss them at your consultation.  However, the risks of any of these complications is very, very low and if you really want the procedure, they should not prevent you from going through with it.  Good luck.
Dustin L. Reid, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon

www.restoraaustin.com

+1

Breast implant risks

I congratulate you for doing your research, because the best thing you can do for yourself is become educated in the subject before making a decision to be sure that the surgery is right for you. Many of the items on the list occur often enough that you should be willing to accept the risks. In choosing to have breast augmentation surgery, you should be prepared to have another surgery at some point, as the implants are not considered lifetime devices. Additionally, capsular contracture... more
Amy T. Bandy, DO

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.drbandy.com

+1

Risks and complications of breast augmentation surgery

As with all surgeries, there are risks and complicatins. Breast augmentation is no exception. There are risks and complications not only from the surgery and anesthesia but from the implants themselves. There are several good sources of information you can review to become better informed. I like the websites www.breastimplantsafety.org and www.plasticsurgery.org. These websites are sponsored by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.... more
David A. Robinson, MD

Munster Plastic Surgeon
+1

Risks & Complications of Silicone Gel Implant Breast Augmentation

This is far too complex to answer comprehensively here. However, I provide my patients with the Mentor (now a J&J subsidiary) FDA approved 60 PAGE BROCHURE!!! The link to this PDF document is pasted below. This details the specific risk and provides concrete numbers for each of these complications. I would suggest reviewing this to provide comprehensive answers to your questions.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Implant Complications

The operation that has NO complications has yet to be discovered. Every operation comes with a set of possible adverse events that we cannot foresee or prevent. Just like you cannot get into your car every morning and get on the road with an iron clad assurance that nothing bad would happen, we cannot try and help our patients without taking a small chance of hurting them. As regards Breast Implants - you APPEAR to be missing THE major downside of having implants. Like the humans that... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implants one of the most popular operations around

In spite of the risks, this is one of the most popular operations around. If you looked at the risks of driving, flying or living, you might not want to do them. If the risks were great, why are so many women having this operation, and why has the FDA said the operation is safe? Your physician may be able to give you more reassurance.
William B. Rosenblatt, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Risk/benefit ratio for breast implants

It can be overwhelming to try and get a handle on all of the things one needs to know about breast implants, and the terminology used doesn't help. For example, the term "rupture" sounds like some sort of explosion, and that just does not happen. A hole in the implant shell can develop with wear over time, and with a saline implant, the saline is absorbed and the breast deflates, while in a silicone implant nothing observable happens. In both cases, it is a harmless and silent... more
Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation has an extremely high rate of patient satisfaction for a reason

Hi there- the risks you list are for the implants, but the risks of surgery and anesthesia would also apply. For a comprehensive listing I would recommend you visit with a surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery for a consultation- listing risks without putting them into appropriate perspective for your individual situation (and this is, in fact what you are asking for) would not be fair to you or your chosen surgeon. Only someone with a thorough knowledge of your goals,... more
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implant risks

Your listing is great but your concerns are bordering on obsessive. Yes, there are complications following any surgery. But the risks are extremely low. I know if one of these events occurs for you than the percentages are useless. Maybe you need an in-person evaluation to discuss your issues concerning breast implants? From MIAMI
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon

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