Every surgical procedure comes with risks, but this one you may not have expected – back in February, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement saying at least 457 women in the US were diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma(ALCL), a rare type of cancer linked to breast implants.
The FDA reported that women with textured breast implants have a higher risk of developing ALCL as compared to other women who don’t have artificial implants. Besides ALCL, there are other breast augmentation risks involved with the surgery and anyone considering this procedure should know educate themselves about it.
A person should not take the decision to undergo breast enhancement surgery lightly. Aside from being an expensive surgery, it is important to know that the results are not guaranteed. There are also possible risks and complications.
Risks related to breast augmentation and breast implants
While a majority of breast enhancement surgeries go smoothly, there are certain risks associated with it. Here is a list of possible complications and adverse outcomes occurring in at least one percent of people who undergo breast enhancement surgeries. Patients may need additional surgeries or non-surgical treatments to treat any of these. Remember to discuss all complications with your doctor.
|
Complication |
Description |
|
Asymmetry |
The breasts appear uneven in terms of breast level, shape, and size. |
|
Breast Tissue Atrophy |
Shrinking and thinning of the skin around the breast. |
|
Pain In Breast |
Sensations of pain in the breast area or the nipple. |
|
Deformity in the Chest Wall |
Underlying rib cage or chest wall appears deformed. |
|
Capsular Contracture |
Tissue capsule around the implant tightens, leading to hardening or firmness of the breast. |
|
Calcium Deposits/Calcification |
Formation of hard lumps underneath the skin around the implant. It is commonly misdiagnosed as cancer during mammography, leading to unnecessary surgery. |
|
Slow Healing of Wound |
Incision site takes longer than usual to heal or does not heal normally. |
|
Deflation
|
It occurs in saline breast implants whenever the saline solution (saltwater) leaks out. This may be due to a tear or cut in the shell (rupture) or due to a leak in the valve. Deflation may either be a complete or partial collapse of the implant. |
|
Extrusion |
Implant can be seen through the skin due to breakdown of the skin. |
|
Hematoma |
It normally occurs right after the surgery but may also occur whenever there is injury to the breast. It is basically a collection of blood in the surgical site and may lead to pain, bruising and swelling. Small hematomas are normally absorbed by the body, but the larger ones may require surgical intervention like draining. |
|
Irritation/Inflammation |
Body’s response to injury or infection which is translated into pain, loss of function, warmth, swelling, and redness.
|
|
Infection, including Toxic Shock Syndrome |
This happens when fungi or bacteria contaminate the wound. Most of the infections caused by the surgery will appear after a few days or a week after the surgery, but it is also possible for infections to occur any time after the surgery. The surgeon will need to remove the breast implants if antibiotics cannot treat the infections. |
|
Iatrogenic damage/Injury |
Damage to the implant due to implant surgery. |
|
Lymphadenopathy or Lymphedema |
Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes. |
|
Displacement/Malposition |
Implant is not in the right position. This happens either during surgery or afterward if the implant shifts or moves inside the breast. Factors that cause displacement includes capsular contracture, trauma or gravity. |
|
Changes in Breast/Nipple Sensation |
It can either be an increase or decrease in the breast/nipple sensation. It can either be permanent or temporary and may vary in degree. It may also affect breastfeeding and/or sexual response. |
|
Necrosis |
Dead tissue or skin around the breast area. Factors that cause necrosis are infection, smoking, radiation/chemotherapy, use or application of steroids inside the surgical pocket, and excessive cold or hot therapy. |
|
Ptosis |
Sagging of breast usually due to weight loss, pregnancy or normal aging. |
|
Palpability |
The breast implant can be felt right through the skin. |
|
Bruising/Redness |
Bleeding during the surgery can lead to a change of color in the skin. It is usually temporary and is expected after surgery. |
|
Rupture |
A hole or tear in the implant shell. |
|
Skin Rash |
Formation of rash on or around the breast area. |
|
Seroma |
Bruising, pain or swelling due to accumulation of fluid around the implant. Small seromas may be absorbed by the body, but larger ones may require surgical intervention. |
|
Unsatisfactory size/shape |
Patient is not satisfied with the size or shape of the breast implant used. |
|
Visibility |
Implant is visible through the skin. |
|
Rippling/Wrinkling |
Wrinkling or rippling of the implant that can either be seen or felt through the skin. |
Additional information
A breast implant is not something that is meant to be used for a lifetime. The longer you have them, the more likely it is for you to face breast implants risks, and you may have to remove it altogether. There is also no guarantee that you will get satisfactory results from the reoperation.
You may have to undergo one or more reoperations depending on the complications you are facing due to the breast augmentation. Also, one reoperation could involve multiple surgical procedures.
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