BREAST AUGMENTATION RISKS
The body naturally forms small amounts of scar tissue around foreign
objects as a means of protecting itself; this is a normal occurrence
and breast implants are no exception. However, if the body does its job
too well, in a sense overreacting to the implant, then the scar tissue
contracts and compresses the implant, making it hard. The excess or constricting
scar tissue results in capsular contracture. In a very small percentage of
patients, scar tissue can become so severe that it can squeeze the breast implant
and cause a visible deformity. The condition is more common with implants
that are too large for a woman's breast tissue and implants that are placed
under the breast tissue alone and not under the pectoral muscle. Early mild
cases of capsular contracture can be reduced with breast massage and/or minimal
surgical release. Severe cases will likely require that the capsular scar tissue be surgically
released or removed, and the breast implant repositioned or replaced.
Additionally, there is a slight chance of unexpected milk production following
the insertion of breast implants. This may stop on its own or may require prescription
medication from your plastic surgeon.
Breast implants can also become displaced, leak or rupture. If they are not replaced,
the result can be disfiguring-like a deflated balloon. In rare instances,
implants may become infected and must be removed or replaced.
As with all surgical procedures, breast augmentation patients must also
consider the risks associated with anesthesia.
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