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Breast implant surgery for breast reconstruction
Many of the risks associated with breast reconstruction are the same as those with any surgery: infection, poor wound healing, bleeding, or a reaction to the anesthesia used in surgery.
Other risks from breast implants include:
- Capsular contracture. This is one of the most common problems caused by breast implants. It 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.
- 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 any of these changes occur.
- Collection of blood or clear fluid in the wound.
- Abnormal scarring (uncommon).
- Silicone implants that leak. Silicone implants can leak inside the body without causing any symptoms. To catch this problem, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that women who get silicone implants have regular MRI tests starting 3 years after they get the implant and every 2 years after that.
Some women are at higher risk for problems from surgery. This includes women who:
- Are obese (BMI over 35).
- Have high blood pressure.
- Have diabetes.
- Smoke.
- Are in poor health.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: August 18, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology | |
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