How common are complications due to having implants?

Question

I have an appointment to get my first augmentation on October 6th (submuscular 450cc) but I've heard a ton of horror stories recently. I know a lot of doctors and surgeons don't recognize breast implant illness as a thing, but how common are complications due to having implants? Is the number of women having them removed due to complications common? Also wondering how common capsular contracture and bottoming out is. Thank you!

Chad K. Wheeler, MD · Answer

There are many complications that can occur with breast augmentations with capsular contracture being the most common.  Nation wide Capsular contracture occurs in about 9% of augmentations over the life of the implant. There many things that can be done to help prevent capsular contracture that are patient and surgeon dependent. Ultimately your question about the frequency of complications needs to be directed to your surgeon as we each have our own rate of complications.  For example I almost never see bottoming out but my technique is very different than your planned surgery.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

The modern day generation silicone gel implants are one of the safest medical devices in the history of medicine. There is extensive high level evidence from experts in breast implant surgery showing the safety of these devices over the last 30 years. I would go see a board-certified plastic surgeon (with plastic surgery residency and aesthetic fellowship training) for a consultation.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear shayyyymw,
there have been numerous studies on the safety and efficacy of silicone breast implants. The FDA has approved them to be safe and breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the United States every year. Implants are much different than they used to be with rigorous testing and cohesive gel. I can't tell you how happy my breast augmentation patients have been with their implants.
I would recommend a consult with a plastic surgeon to go over all of your concerns. Saline implants are also a perfectly good option if you are still concerned and are less expensive.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

We don’t expect complications such as waterfall deformity, bottoming out or capsular contraction in many patients. If these problems occur, it will be at least 3 years after the surgery 
Immediate complications such as bleeding and infection is very rare and happens in the first 48 hours after the surgery

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for the question.

Breast augmentation surgery is a relatively safe procedure with very low risk of complications, especially in healthy individuals without any comorbidities such as diabetes, smoking, etc.

Some of the possible complications include but are not limited to risk of infection, bleeding, unfavorable scarring, implant malposition, capsular contracture ( about 10% at 10 years after surgery), asymmetry, seroma, changes of nipple sensation, need for implant replacement (typically in 10-15 years), implant loss, etc.

I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.

I hope this helps.

Best, Dr. Karanetz

Dr. Irena Karanetz
Breast Fellowship Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

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Answer: Complications after breast augmentation surgery

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Answer: How common are complications due to having implants?

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How common are complications due to having implants?

Answers (9)

Answer: Complications after breast augmentation surgery

Answer: Complications after breast augmentation surgery

Answer: How common are complications due to having implants?

Answer: How common are complications due to having implants?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.