Size and Shape Complications
Some patients may be disappointed with the results of their surgery due to breast asymmetry, displacement, nipple location, breast shape and size.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue or capsule that normally forms around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant.
Rupture
A sudden decrease in breast size in those with saline breast implants indicates a rupture of the breast implant. Silicone breast implants ruptures are more difficult to diagnose.
Prevention
Though generally safe, breast implants are medical devices and they can fail. If detected early enough, replacing a ruptured breast implant, particularly saline-filled breast implants, is similar to replacing a battery in a battery compartment. If detected late, ruptured silicone implants can cause thickening of scar tissue around the implant, which can lead to breast deformity and pain. Delayed replacement or removal of ruptured breast implants can be more complicated.
Breast Implant Complications
Undergoing any surgical procedure may involve complications like the effects of anesthesia, possible infection, swelling, redness, bleeding and pain. Breast implant placement can be a complex surgery and complications may occur. Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue or capsule that normally forms around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant. Capsular contraction is more common following infection, hematomas or seromas (collection of watery portion of blood). Overfilling a breast implant is filling the amount saline beyond the recommended manufacturer amount.
Options
A typical breast has a smooth silicone shell containing silicone gel or saline inside. However there are also silicone or saline implants that have texture. The shell of these implants has a fine sandpaper texture. These textured breast implants have a lower incidence of capsular contracture. Another variable to choose when having breast augmentation is the shape of the breast. The patience chooses between round breast implants and teardrop or "anatomical" implants. Anatomical breast implants are shape like a teardrop in order to give the breasts a natural flow and bounce.