What are the potential risks and complications of breast implants?
Here are a few of the most common ones:
Capsular contracture
Capsular contracture is a complication that can occur when the body forms scar tissue around the breast implant, causing the breast to become hard and misshapen. This complication can occur in up to 10% of breast augmentation surgeries.
Rupture and leakage
Breast implants can rupture or leak, which can cause pain, swelling, and changes in breast shape or size. If a silicone implant ruptures, the silicone gel can leak into the surrounding tissue and cause inflammation or even migrate to other parts of the body.
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
BIA-ALCL is a rare type of lymphoma that has been linked to breast implants. This cancer affects the immune system and can cause swelling, pain, and lumps in the breast. The risk of developing BIA-ALCL is relatively low, with only about one in 30,000 women with breast implants developing this cancer.
Breastfeeding issues
Implants can sometimes make it difficult or impossible to breastfeed. This is because the implant can interfere with milk production or cause discomfort or pain during breastfeeding.
Implant displacement
Breast implants can sometimes shift or move, which can cause asymmetry or an unnatural appearance. This complication can occur due to trauma, capsular contracture, or other factors.
Implant Infection
Infection: Like any cosmetic surgical procedure, there is always a risk of infection with breast implants. In some cases, this can be treated with antibiotics, but in severe cases, the implant may need to be removed to prevent the infection from spreading.
Implant rupture
Breast implants are not designed to last forever, and over time, they can rupture or leak. This can be caused by factors such as aging, trauma, or the normal wear and tear of the implant. When an implant ruptures, the silicone gel or saline solution inside can leak into the surrounding tissue, causing discomfort and potentially requiring surgical removal of the implant.
Other issues:
Interference with mammograms: Breast implants can make it more difficult for doctors to detect breast cancer on a mammogram, since the implants can obscure the underlying breast tissue. This means that women with implants may need to have additional imaging tests, such as an MRI, to ensure that any potential abnormalities are detected.
Changes in sensation: Some women may experience changes in the sensation of their breasts or nipples after getting breast implants. This can include a loss of sensation, or in some cases, increased sensitivity.
Breast implant-related illness (BII) is a term used to describe a range of symptoms that some women experience after getting breast implants. Symptoms of BII can include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, anxiety, and depression. While the exact cause of BII is unknown, some researchers believe that it may be related to the body’s immune response to the breast implants.
Diagnosing BII can be challenging, as the symptoms can be vague and nonspecific. Some doctors may perform blood tests or imaging studies to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. However, there is no definitive test for BII, and the diagnosis is often made based on the patient’s symptoms and medical history.
Treatment options for BII may include removing the breast implants or treating the symptoms with medications or other therapies. If you are experiencing symptoms of BII, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.