THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH A BREAST AUGMENTATION
As with all surgical procedures, there are risks. If you get an infection around the wound or implant you will need antibiotics. Mr Chana will prescribe them. Excessive bleeding or a haematoma (blood clot) around the implant is unusual, but possible. If it cannot be controlled, it may need a further operation. Aspirin or aspirin-like medication (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory tablets) must not be taken. Mr Chana and his aftercare team will be on hand throughout your recovery should you feel unwell or be concerned about something.
There will be red scars following surgery, which will change to a purple colour as the healing process begins. They should fade to become much paler after about 18 months.
Most patients will experience a change in nipple sensation after surgery. Some or all of it will return during the recovery period, but they may remain tender to the touch for a number of weeks. In a few rare cases, loss of sensation can be permanent.
Some breast asymmetry is also normal, which very occassionally can be made more noticeable after a breast augmentation. Also, try and maintain your body weight, as putting on or loosing weight can affect breast shape.
Movement or displacement of the implant can occur, even after surgery. Although highly unusual, it can be corrected.
In up to 10% of women, the layer of tissue or 'membrane' around the implant can become firm and hard. This is called a 'capsular contracture' and will require further surgery to remove and replace the implant. There have been cases where with wear and tear, some silicone may leak out the implant due to a disruption in the shell of the implant. Since modern implants are made of a cohesive gel ( gummy bear implants) the silicone tends to stay in shape and within the breast capsule. However, it will require surgery to remove and replace the implant.
Breast implants are not permanent. Most have a lifespan of around 10 years, although some patients have been known to have had them for 20 years with no complications. Mr Chana recommends that you keep a long term check on your implants. An MRI scan is advisable, particularly as you approach between five to ten years.
Medical silicone is used safely for most breast implants and is not associated with breast cancer. However, a very rare form of lymphoma called ALCL has recently been associated with silicone implants. The current risk of this is 1 in 24,000. It is associated with textured implants. Mr Chana will discuss this risk with you carefully during consultation and a decision made with you to decide which type of implant you feel most comfortable choosing for your surgery. You can read more about ALCL here
You will also be given a detailed information leaflet on breast augmentation which deatails all the risks comprehensively.