The decision to have breast augmentation surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.

Possible risks include:

  • Anesthesia risks
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Changes in nipple or breast sensation
  • Poor scarring of skin
  • Wrong or faulty position of the implant
  • Implant leakage or rupture
  • The formation of tight scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture)
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
  • Pain, which may persist
  • Possibility of revisional surgery

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

Breast implants do not impair breast health. Careful reviews of scientific research by independent groups such as the Institute of Medicine have found no link between breast implants and autoimmune or other systemic diseases.

Other important considerations:

  • Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants
  • Pregnancy, weight loss, and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime
  • Breast augmentation requires regular examinations of your breasts’ health and to evaluate the condition of your implants