Every surgical procedure carries a certain percentage of risk that varies depending on the type of procedure.

Although rare, standard surgical risks inherent to any surgical procedure include: reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and poor healing.

Even rarer, looking at statistics, are risks that include: permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or areas of the breast skin, or the need for further revision surgery due to aging and the effects of gravity.

What complications can occur in a breast augmentation surgery?

Being one of the most performed surgeries worldwide, such a procedure presents complications that have been extensively studied in detail. Thanks to this, the risk of encountering problems of any kind is extremely low.

Here are some complications that may occur:

• Capsular contracture

Capsular contracture refers to the formation of scar tissue around the breast implant. This is a normal part of the healing process and, in the vast majority of cases, does not cause problems for the patient.

However, in some cases, the body creates an excessive amount of scar tissue, which can compress the breast implant causing it to harden and become painful.

In case of excessive capsular contracture, the surgeon may perform one or more additional procedures to remove the excess scar tissue.

• Mammography obstruction

Especially in the case of implants placed subglandularly, they can obstruct mammography results. This problem is less frequent with submuscular implants.

Regardless of the implant placement, however, it is important to inform the mammography technician of any breast implants so that they can adjust the procedure accordingly.

• Rupture

Although breast implants are carefully designed and regulated to remain intact, there is still a possibility that a breast implant may leak silicone or saline solution. This is rarely due to manufacturing defects if the rupture occurs within a few years of the surgery, or wear and tear if it occurs after about 10 years. Implant rupture is unlikely during normal activities.

• Rippling

Rippling is an effect that occurs when a breast implant settles and pulls on the scar tissue, causing a rippled appearance on the surface of the breast. This issue is more commonly seen with saline implants.

Rippling can occur with implants above or below the pectoral muscle, although it is more common with implants placed above the muscle.

Turn to MiniHospital “Sandro Pertini” to be informed and aware

It’s important for cosmetic surgery patients to be aware of every phase of the surgical process in detail, so they can approach the procedure calmly and with full awareness.

For this reason, the team at the MiniHospital “Sandro Pertini” is available to provide all the clarifications the patient needs, including those related to the risks associated with the procedure. After one week, many patients are able to return to their daily activities or work, as long as their job does not involve heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity.