The common risks and side effects of breast augmentation include implant rupture, scarring, and post-op infections. However, rarer risks and complications can occur as well. Here’s a short list of concerns:
- Breast Tissue Atrophy. In some cases, the body responds to the breast augmentation with a thinning and shrinking of the breast tissue.
- Calcification or calcium deposits. Hard “lumps” of calcium form around the implant, under the skin. While they are not harmful, they can be uncomfortable. They might also be mistaken for cancer in a mammogram image.
- Like tissue atrophy, extrusion involves a breakdown of the breast tissue or the skin. However, an extrusion ends with the implant “poking through” the place where the skin has broken down.
- A hematoma is a collection of blood near the site of the surgery. Whenever the breast is injured, there is a risk of hematoma, which can also cause swelling, bruising, and pain. The body may take care of a small hematoma on its own, but larger ones may need to be drained by a medical professional.
- Lymphedema or Lymphadenopathy. These conditions involve swelling or enlargement of the lymph nodes. Since lymph nodes exist throughout the body, the condition can affect any of them – including those in the chest or underarms.
- Necrosis is dead skin or tissue around the breast. The risk is increased by infection, use of steroids in the breast pocket, smoking, and chemotherapy or radiation.
- A seroma is a collection of fluids near the site of the surgery. Like a hematoma, it can cause pain or discomfort. Intervention to drain the site may be needed if the seroma is large.
Should you be worried? While these outcomes do happen, they are unlikely. Ask your doctor about specific concerns you have.
For a free, private consultation about your breast augmentation surgery options in Cleveland, please call our team at The Cosmetic Surgery Center at (216) 264-8100.