Risks Related to Breast Implants
As with any type of surgery, there are potential risks and complications such as bleeding, capsular contracture, implant ruptures, infection, visible skin wrinkling and rippling to name a few. The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and your plastic surgeon, or with a staff member in your surgeon's office.
Capsular contracture
Capsular contracture is the most common problem associated with breast implants. It occurs when naturally forming scar tissue around the implant shrinks and tightens, making the breast feel firmer than normal and sometimes causing pain and an unnatural appearance of the breast. Capsular contracture may occur on one side, both sides or not at all. The degree or severity of tightening may also be different on one side compared to the other.
Can capsular contracture be corrected?
In severe cases, the disfigurement or discomfort resulting from capsular contracture may require surgery to remove the scar tissue around the implant and /or implant replacement. Capsular contracture may recur after surgical procedures to correct this condition. In some cases, the contracture may not be correctable and implant removal may be necessary.
How often does capsular contracture occur?
Excessive firmness of the breasts can occur soon after surgery or years later. The occurrence of bothersome capsular contracture is not predictable, however, the chance of it happening increases with time.
