Risks Related to Breast Implants
Implant Extrusion / Tissue Necrosis - Lack of adequate tissue coverage or infection may result in exposure and extrusion of the implant through the skin. Tissue breakdown (necrosis) has been reported with the use of steroid drugs, after chemotherapy/radiation to breast tissue, due to smoking, microwave diathermy, and excessive heat or cold therapy. In some cases, incision sites fail to heal normally. An implant may become visible at the surface of the breast as a result of the device pushing though layers of skin. If tissue breakdown occurs and the implant becomes exposed, implant removal may be necessary. Permanent scar deformity may occur.
Skin Wrinkling and Rippling - Visible and palpable wrinkling of implants and breast skin can occur. Some wrinkling is normal and expected with silicone gel-filled-filled breast implants. This may be more pronounced in patients who have silicone gel-filled-filled implants with textured surfaces or thin breast tissue. Palpable wrinkling and/or folds may be confused with palpable tumors and questionable cases must be investigated.
Calcification - Calcium deposits can form in the scar tissue surrounding the implant and may cause pain, firmness, and be visible on mammography. These deposits must be identified as different from calcium deposits that are a sign of breast cancer. Should this occur, additional surgery may be necessary to remove and examine calcifications.
Chest Wall Irregularities - Chest wall irregularities have been reported secondary to the use of tissue expanders and breast implants. Residual skin irregularities at the ends of the incisions or dog ears are always a possibility when there is excessive redundant skin. This may improve with time, or it can be surgically corrected.
Implant Displacement and Tissue Stretching - Displacement, rotation, or migration of a breast implant may occur from its initial placement and can be accompanied by discomfort and/or distortion in breast shape (visible rippling of the skin). Unusual techniques of implant placement may increase the risk of displacement or migration. Additional surgery may be necessary to attempt correct this problem. It may not be possible to resolve this problem once it has occurred.
Surface Contamination of Implants - Skin oil, lint from surgical drapes, or talc may become deposited on the surface of the implant at the time of insertion. The consequences of this are unknown.
Asymmetry - Some breast asymmetry naturally occurs in most women. Differences in terms of breast and nipple shape, size, or symmetry may also occur after surgery. Additional surgery may be necessary to attempt improvement of asymmetry after a breast augmentation.
Unusual Activities and Occupations - Activities and occupations which have the potential for trauma to the breast could potentially break or damage breast implants, or cause bleeding/seroma.
Click here to download the "Inherent Surgical Risk of Breast Implant Surgery" PDF
