Breast Implants Risks and Safety

According to the figures published by the ASPS, a breast implant is currently the number two cosmetic surgery procedure in the US after liposuction. The safety profile of the procedure has dramatically improved over the years with advanced surgical techniques and improvised implant qualities.

However, some risks are inevitably linked with breast implants, in addition to the usual risks associated with any surgical procedure.

At the time of initial consultation, the breast surgeon will educate the patient about all aspects of breast implants, including the potential risks and complications involved. The surgeon’s first concern will be to ensure that the patient makes a judicious, well-considered decision. Profound and astute double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Wright Jones provides breast implant surgery to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta GA, and cities and suburbs across the horizon.

Breast Implant Risks

Breast implant surgery involves the surgical placement of saline or silicone implants, which has its own inherent risks.

Capsular Contracture

Scar tissue formation will be triggered once the implant is embedded into the breast tissue. In a few cases, for reasons unknown, the scar tissue may tend to harden, putting the implant under excessive pressure.

The tightening scar tissue will squeeze the soft implant, which could lead to misshaping of the implant, damage to the outer implant shell, or shifting of the implant from its desired position. Hardened breast capsule may also cause pain in the breasts. Breast revision plastic surgery may have to be performed to correct this condition.

Implant Rippling

While selecting the implant size, care should be taken that the size is in consonance with the amount of breast skin that is available to cover it adequately. If the chosen implant size is disproportionately large, it may create folds or creases in the implant over time. This can result in a rippling effect on the skin’s surface, distorting the natural breast look.

The right choice of implant size and shape, which is conducive to the unique breast anatomy and skin availability for a particular patient, will help to minimize this risk. Significant and accomplished cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jones receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta GA, and other cities and neighborhoods in the Empire State of the South for breast implant surgery.

Implant Damage or Shifting

Sometimes the implant may shift from its original position soon after the surgery. This risk of displacement is higher in case of large sized implants. Implant rupture is another risk that is innate to both saline and silicone implants. A breast removal or replacement surgery may have to be performed in such cases.

Surgery-related Risks

Infection

This is a risk which is common to all types of surgeries. A sterile surgical environment at the operating venue will minimize this risk. The surgeon may also prescribe antibiotics during early recovery phase to reduce the risk.

Numbness in Nipples

Change of sensation, sensitivity or numbness in the nipple area may occur temporarily after breast implant surgery. In rare cases, the numbness may become permanent.

Unfavorable Scarring

Some amount of scarring is unavoidable after breast implant surgery. However, a skilled surgeon can mitigate the scarring by placing the incisions in discreet locations.

See all plastic surgery procedures that Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Wright Jones performs of the face, nose, body, and breast in and around Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta, GA and surrounding areas.