Breast Augmentation Risks

Learn about breast augmentation risks, the decision to have breast augmentation in NYC is not one to be taken lightly. Patients need to ensure they’re fully aware of the risks of breast implant safety and potential surgical complications. By being actively involved your consultation, your surgeon can answer any concerns and questions you may have about the procedure.

There are two types of breast implants that are available for patients – saline and silicone. Both have a silicone outer shell, but the saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater as opposed to silicone gel. Your plastic surgeon will explain the possible risks and complications associated with the procedure, and help you decide which implant is best suited for your aesthetic goals.

Your surgeon will also:

• Assess your general health and any pre-existing conditions and risk factors
• Examine your breasts and take measurements of the size and shape, skin quality, and placement of your nipples
• Take before and after photographs for medical records
• Discuss the types and use of anesthesia during your breast enhancement surgery

Risks of breast augmentation

Potential risks and adverse outcomes of breast implants may include:

• Anesthesia complications
• Adverse scarring
• Asymmetry
• Bleeding and /or blood clots
• Breast pain
• Delayed wound healing
• Infection
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation
• Capsular contracture, where scar tissue forms around the implant
• Implant leakage or rupture that indicates revision surgery
• Malposition or displacement of the implant
• Fluid accumulation
• Wrinkling or rippling of the skin over the implant

Other important considerations

Breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime and additional surgery may be indicated to replace one or both devices at some point in the future. However, there are no recommendations based on medical studies that implants need to be changed at any particular time interval, such as 10 or 15 years.

Deflation rates are about 1 percent per year, and some women have had their breast implants for nearly 30 years without a problem.  If the implants stay intact and remain complication-free, then there is no need for revision surgery. Factors such as weight loss, menopause and pregnancy may affect the appearance and shape of the implants over time. Location of the implant will determine if patients who have undergone breast augmentation can breastfeed.

Schedule a consultation with NYC plastic surgeon

Manhattan plastic surgeon, Dr. Thomas Loeb has been performing breast enhancement surgery with silicone and saline breast implants for over 15 years. To learn more about breast augmentation in NYC, or to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Thomas Loeb, please call his Fifth Avenue office at 212-327-3700.