Risks of Plastic Surgery as Breast Enhancement

General risks

Reaction to anesthesia

Blood accumulation that may need to be drained surgically

Infection

Cancer Screening

It is possible that the presence of breast implants could delay or hinder the early detection of breast cancer.

Implant Rupture

If a saline-filled implant breaks, its contents are harmlessly absorbed by the body within hours. A definite change in the size of the breast is clearly noticed whereas if a silicone implant is used, a rupture may not be immediately obvious.  A ruptured silicone implant should be removed and if desired, replaced. Ruptures can occur with no apparent cause.

Capsular Contracture

When a breast implant is inserted, a scar capsule forms around it as part of the natural healing process and in some cases there can be extreme discomfort so that more surgery may be needed to modify or remove the scar tissue, or perhaps remove or replace the implant.

Other

Changes in sensation of the nipple or breast

Changes in the ability to breastfeed

Changes in sensation may either be increased or decreased or altered sensation. These changes may be temporary or permanent.

Implant visibility, rippling, and asymmetry may also occur.

Connective tissue and immune-related diseases have been reported but women without implants also have these disorders and the research is inconclusive as to wether implants increase the risk.