Breast augmentation risks are rare, but it’s important to be aware of them before you decide to undergo breast implant surgery.

In this article, we’ll discuss the risks of breast augmentation procedure during and directly after surgery as well as for the duration of time your implants are in.

Immediate Risks During or Right After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Potential breast augmentation complications during or directly after surgery include the following:

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Reactions to anesthesia
• Changes in breast sensation

Excessive Bleeding

Excessive bleeding around the implant (haematoma) can happen right after surgery or sometimes within the first few weeks of recovery. Extreme tightness and swelling are usually the most common signs of a bleed that won’t stop.

In most cases, you will be able to retain your implant and have a successful outcome. However, you must contact your surgeon if you suspect this complication so that you can have the bleeding stopped and drain the excess blood.

Infection

Infection is a risk after any type of surgery, though it is rare. If an infection occurs, it usually occurs in the first one to two weeks after surgery.

Discharge from the incision site, redness that won’t go away, and a persistent fever are a few signs of infection. If you have concerns about an infection, be sure to contact your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.

Reactions to Anesthesia

Rarely, certain patients may have an adverse reaction to the use of anesthesia during surgery. This generally occurs when anesthesia is used for a prolonged period of time and may include an extended recovery due to anesthesia effects, nausea, vomiting, and, rarely, difficulty breathing.

Changes in Breast Sensation

Over- or under-sensation in the nipples and breasts can be a complication of breast augmentation surgery. This is quite normal but can be alarming. Many patients experience oversensitive nipples and/or numbness in their breast tissue.

Most of the time, these sensation changes will disappear over time. But if they do not, contact your surgeon.

Long-Term Risks

Rarely, patients may experience long-term breast augmentation complications associated with their implants. These may include:

• Capsular contracture
• Breast implant rupture

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when the body forms a protective capsule of scar tissue around the implant. This in itself, is normal, but in some cases, the scar tissue can contract, causing the implant to become misshapen or hardened.

As this occurs, it can lead to breast distortion and discomfort or pain for the patient. Severe cases of capsular contracture may necessitate corrective surgery to remove the scar tissue or replace the implant.

Breast Implant Rupture

Implant rupture can occur due to a variety of factors, such as trauma, natural wear and tear, or manufacturing defects. With saline implants, ruptures are typically more noticeable as the breast deflates, causing a visible change in size and shape.

With silicone implants, ruptures can be less obvious since the cohesive gel inside tends to stay within the implant shell. Monitoring is crucial because a silent rupture can only be detected through imaging, like an MRI.

In the event of an implant rupture, surgical removal and replacement are typically necessary to ensure the best outcome.

Additional Potential Complications

• Impact on lactation/breast feeding: Milk production may be slightly reduced following augmentation surgery in some individuals.
• Future surgical procedures: Breast implants have a limited lifespan and typically require replacement or corrective procedures over time to address complications.
• Allergic responses: Reactions may occur to surgical materials, anesthesia, or other products used during the procedure.
• Implant displacement: The implant can shift from its original position or rotate, resulting in an unnatural appearance.

Breast Implant Illness

Breast implant illness (BII) is not an easily diagnosable illness with specific symptoms. Rather, it is an assortment of possible symptoms that are associated with having breast implants.

These symptoms include chronic fatigue, anxiety, dry eyes and mouth, trouble sleeping, and muscle and joint pain, among others.

It’s difficult to draw definitive conclusions about this implant illness, but fortunately, it is rare. Breast implant removal generally results in a reduction or eradication of symptoms.

Breast Implant Associated Lymphoma

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is not the same as breast cancer. Instead, it is a type of immune system cancer, also known as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Swelling and severe and persistent pain around the implants and/or a lump in the breast are the most common symptoms.

BIA-ALCL is rare, but it’s important to know about prior to getting breast implants. It appears to occur most commonly in patients who have textured breast implants.

Textured breast implants are most common with silicone breast implants that are teardrop shaped. The texture helps to keep the implants from rotating within the breast pocket. Still, round and saline implants may be textured as well.

Dr. Sieber’s Approach: Rapid Recovery Technique

Dr. Sieber aims to mitigate complications and recovery symptoms by using the Rapid Recovery Technique when working with breast implant patients.

The Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation Method is not just one single step to minimize trauma and help patients recover faster.

Instead, it is a long list of steps taken by Dr. Sieber, his staff, and the patient, which, combined, minimizes tissue trauma, leading to decreased discomfort and bruising. Rapid Recovery can enable patients to resume their daily activities within just 24 hours.*

This method encompasses a comprehensive process. Before the final implant is positioned, the surgical pocket will be flushed with an antibiotic solution to ward off postoperative infections and lower the likelihood of capsular contracture.

Following this, all incisions will be sealed using absorbable sutures. Other key steps and a comprehensive healing guide for patients help to speed up breast augmentation recovery and avoid complications.

Breast Augmentation Risks FAQ

What are the side effects of breast implants?

Common side effects include capsular contracture, where scar tissue tightens around the implant, and breast pain that may persist during recovery. Changes in nipple sensation, ranging from numbness to oversensitivity, occur frequently but often resolve over time.

Some patients report systemic symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and sleep difficulties, collectively known as breast implant illness. Risks also include infection, implant rupture, and rare cases of BIA-ALCL lymphoma.​

What are the different types of breast implants?

The primary breast implant types are saline (containing sterile saltwater solution) and silicone (containing silicone gel), with “gummy bear” implants representing a form-stable silicone variety.

Implants are further categorized by shape (round or teardrop), surface texture (smooth or textured), and profile (degree of forward projection).

Selection depends on individual aesthetic goals, natural tissue characteristics, and guidance from a board-certified plastic surgeon.

How safe is a boob job?

Breast augmentation is a well-established surgical procedure with a strong safety profile when performed by board-certified surgeons.

Modern studies show complication rates remain low, with surgical site infections occurring in just 0.23% of cases. Both silicone gel filled implants and saline filled breast implants undergo rigorous FDA monitoring and have similar safety profiles.

Most patients experience no serious problems post-operatively, and 98% remain satisfied with results after five years.​

How bad does breast augmentation hurt?

Pain intensity varies by individual and implant placement, with submuscular placement typically causing more discomfort initially.

The first 24-48 hours bring intense throbbing sensations around breasts, nipples, and shoulders, managed effectively with prescribed pain medication. Most discomfort significantly decreases within one week as tissues adjust to the new breast size.

Patients often describe the sensation as tightness or stretching rather than sharp pain. By four weeks, pain largely subsides, though occasional shooting sensations may occur.​

Do breast implants mess with hormones?

Breast implants themselves do not directly alter hormone production or menstrual cycles in most patients. The surgical procedure causes temporary physical stress that may briefly affect the body, but hormone levels typically remain stable.

Studies comparing silicone gel filled and saline implants found no increased risk of autoimmune or endocrine disorders. Some patients with breast implant illness report hormonal imbalance symptoms, though scientific evidence remains limited.

Women who underwent breast reconstruction after mastectomy show similar hormonal patterns to those with natural breasts.​

How long is bed rest after breast implants?

Complete bed rest is not recommended following breast surgery. Surgeons encourage patients to walk frequently throughout the day to promote circulation and prevent stiffness, while taking regular rest breaks.

Most patients need approximately one week off work for desk jobs, though physically demanding occupations require 3-4 weeks. Light activities can resume within 3-5 days, but patients should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for six weeks.

Complications like ruptured implants or severe capsular contracture may require more surgery and extended recovery.

Are there fat transfer breast augmentation risks?

As with any surgery, fat transfer breast augmentation carries some risks. These can include the potential for fat absorption, irregularities in fat redistribution, and the need for additional procedures to achieve your desired results.

What are the risks of second breast augmentation surgery?

Risks associated with a second breast augmentation surgery (breast implant revision) include complications related to anesthesia, infection, scarring, and the possibility of developing capsular contracture.

Additionally, the pre-existing scar tissue from the initial surgery may complicate the revision process.

Will I need additional surgeries after breast augmentation?

Many patients with augmented breasts eventually require revision surgery for implant replacement due to natural wear over 10-20 years.

The tissue surrounding implants may develop capsular contracture, requiring intervention. Serious complications like rupture, malposition, or infection affect approximately 10% of patients, necessitating corrective procedures.

Some individuals experience systemic symptoms including brain fog and fatigue, prompting implant removal. While breast tissue typically tolerates implants well, additional surgeries remain common throughout a patient’s lifetime

Learn More at Your Consultation Appointment

As a augmentation patient, it is critical to prioritize safety and make informed decisions about your augmentation surgery.

For this reason, always make sure to choose a board certified plastic surgeon who has unique experience with breast augmentation and breast implant safety.

Dr. David Sieber is a board certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience with breast augmentation surgery.

To schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber, please contact our office today. Dr. Sieber will be able to answer any questions you have about your surgery including how to prepare for a breast augmentation.

*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person. Editorial content, before and after images, overview breast augmentation and patient testimonials do not constitute a guarantee of specific results.

References

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-know-about-breast-implants