Everett Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation Risks

The risks of getting breast implants include:

Capsular contracture. One of the most common problems caused by breast implants, this condition occurs when scar tissue around the implant hardens and begins to squeeze the implant. It can cause hardening of the breast tissue, rippling in the skin of the breast, and changes in the shape of the breast. It may also be painful. Surgery is sometimes needed to remove the scar tissue or replace the implant when capsular contracture develops.
Loss of feeling in the nipples or breast tissue due to nerve damage. Often this is temporary, but it may be permanent in some women.
Differences in size or shape of the breasts after surgery.
Changes in the implant. Normal activity or an injury to the breast can damage the implant, causing it to leak, deflate, or rupture. Over time, the implant may harden, develop ripples, shift position, or change shape. Surgery may be needed to remove the implant and replace it (if desired) if any of these changes occur.
Infection (not common). This can occur at any time, but it typically occurs during the first week after surgery. In some cases of infection, the implant may have to be removed for several months and then replaced.
Blood collection under the skin, or hematoma (uncommon).
Abnormal scarring (uncommon).

An important problem associated with breast implants is that they may make breast cancer harder to detect on a mammogram. See the What to Think About section below for more information about this important issue.

Spokane Breast Augmentation - What To Think About

Most women who get breast implants are satisfied with the results. You are likely to be happy with the results if you have clear, realistic expectations about the surgery and share these with your doctor. Implants will make your breasts larger and perhaps give them a shape you are more pleased with, but no surgeon can guarantee perfection.

Also keep in mind that:

Breast enlargements and lifts do not prevent changes in the breast that occur as a result of future pregnancies, weight gain or loss, or the force of gravity over time.
Implants may later need to be surgically removed or replaced if they leak, rupture, wrinkle, change shape, or develop other problems. It is likely that you will have to have a second surgery at some point.
Some of the changes in the breast tissue and skin caused by implants are permanent. If you later have the implants removed, the breasts may have permanent wrinkles, dimples, or other changes.
Some studies suggest that breast implants may affect a woman's ability to breast-feed, but this has not been proven.

Insurance will not cover the cost of breast implants unless they are being used as part of breast reconstruction after surgery for breast cancer. Likewise, insurance will not cover the costs of treatment for complications that arise during or after surgery or for future surgeries to remove or replace the implants. Check with your insurance company to find out whether getting breast implants will affect how much you pay for your insurance and what you are covered for.

Breast cancer screening (mammography) after surgery

A breast implant can hide abnormal breast tissue or lesions, making detection of abnormal or cancerous breast tissue during mammography more difficult. To produce accurate, high-quality images, the breast has to be squeezed fairly tightly. Rarely, this causes a breast implant to leak or rupture. Also, scarring and calcium deposits around the implant may look like cancerous tissue and make the mammogram harder to interpret.

If you have breast implants and need to have a mammogram, tell the technician when you schedule the mammogram what type of implants you have (saline or silicone) and whether they are behind or in front of the chest muscle. You may need more views taken than are done during a typical screening. In some cases, MRI scans may be needed to produce a clear image.

Controversy over breast implant safety

The possible connection between silicone gel breast implants and connective tissue disease has been the subject of much research and public debate. At this point, the controversy has not been resolved. Currently, the use of implants filled with silicone gel has been restricted in parts of Europe and in the United States since 1992 because of the possible harm that could come from silicone gel leaking into the body if an implant leaks or ruptures. (Silicone-filled implants are still used in some research studies for breast reconstruction after mastectomy, correction of congenital deformities, or the replacement of ruptured implants.)

Saline-filled implants are considered safe and are the most commonly used breast implant today. Saline solution can be safely absorbed by the body if the implant leaks or ruptures. Although silicone gel implants may offer a better, more natural-looking cosmetic result, continuing concern over their safety in the event of a leak or rupture means that most plastic surgeons avoid using silicone implants on a routine basis.

David Pratt, Plastic Surgeon - Providing services in facelifts and plastic surgery for Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Spokane and Everett.