Breast augmentation is an exciting procedure that can help you feel more confident about your appearance. With the right surgeon and with an informed approach to the operation, you can achieve the final result you want. However, not all breast implant procedures are without complications. Sometimes it becomes necessary to fix or remove the implants for the following reasons.

Three risks that may occur to warrant breast implant removal or revision are capsular contraction, infection or rupture/leakage. It is important you consider these risks before you commit to the procedure. Becoming familiar with the potential complications will allow you to set appropriate expectations for your treatment, and proactively attempt to avoid these risks.

Breast Implant Removal or Revision Factors

Like any surgery, breast augmentation comes with the risk of complications. Breast implant removal or revision is not the expected outcome of breast augmentation surgery, but it can become necessary if certain complications arise.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is the most common breast augmentation complication that can result in breast implant removal or revision. It stems from the improper development of the capsule, which is the scar that forms around the implant. In 20-25 percent of people, the capsule either does not develop sufficiently or over-develops.

A capsule that does not develop sufficiently can cause the implant to become unstable and slide out of place. Although this can be inconvenient, it can usually be fixed in one operation. During the repair operation, the original incision is reopened, the implant is removed and the weakened tissue is plicated (folded like a fan) to strengthen the tissue and hold the implant in place. The same implant, unless damaged, is then replaced.

Cases in which a capsule over-develops, on the other hand, are known as capsular contracture. In capsular contracture, the scar around the implant may become thick or firm and the skin around it often tightens. This can be uncomfortable and may even become painful, or it may cause the implant to change shape or position. A minor capsular contracture may not require any intervention. If it is severe, however, it may be fixed in one surgery by temporarily removing the implant and removing the scar, then replacing the same implant if it is intact.

Rupture and Leakage

Most breast implants are made of silicone gel, surrounded by a silicone plastic balloon. This means that in some cases, they can rupture and leak.

The important thing to note is that that this is not harmful to your health, as silicone does not get absorbed into the body or cause any health issues. In fact, many implants that rupture and leak don’t need to be treated at all if the leak isn’t too severe. Provided there are no aesthetic issues, surgeons will often simply monitor them to make sure they don’t worsen.

Because the silicone that leaks may cause a localized inflammation reaction in the capsule, sometimes a thicker capsule is the result. This is no different than the capsule discussed above.  If, however, a ruptured and leaking implant does cause aesthetic issues, it may be grounds for breast implant removal or revision. Rupture and leakage can distort the shape and size of a breast implant, which can change the appearance of the breast.

Infection

Another complication that may necessitate breast implant removal is an infection, although this is by far the least likely complication to occur. Breast augmentation, like all surgical operations, carries a risk of infection. Although infections can occur at any point during or after the surgery, most occur within two to three weeks of the operation.

If you experience symptoms of an infection, which are most commonly fever and redness, your surgeon will likely prescribe oral antibiotics. If your fever and redness do not subside within a day or two, breast implant removal is required. This is for your safety, as leaving the implant in your body during the course of an infection can cause further harm.

Any implant removed because of infection cannot be replaced immediately. In cases of infection, it is standard practice to wait three months after breast implant removal for replacement surgery.

Why Removal May Be Necessary if Complications Occur

Breast augmentation sometimes comes with complications, but not all complications require breast implant removal. There are several important factors that determine whether breast implant removal is necessary. If you experience complications after your breast augmentation surgery, you and your surgeon will consider the following three things before deciding whether to remove the implants.

Health Complications

The first and most important reason breast implant removal is sometimes necessary is health concerns. If your complications are such that leaving breast implants in your body might jeopardize your health, then breast implant removal is a necessity. For example, if you experience an infection during or after your surgery that does not respond quickly to antibiotics, then leaving the implants alone could exacerbate the issue.

Pain

Pain is another factor that can necessitate breast implant revision or removal if complications arise. Capsular contracture, for example, is a sometimes painful issue that is only treatable by way of removing the capsule, with or without replacing the implant.

Aesthetics

The third and final reason that breast implant removal may be necessary is aesthetic issues. Complications like capsular contracture and rupture and leakage can distort the size or shape of your breasts. The only way to restore the breasts to their desired size and shape is to remove and replace the implants.

Final Thoughts

Breast augmentation surgery is a way to improve your appearance and gain self-confidence, but it comes with risks that you should consider before you commit to the operation. Sometimes complications arise during or after the breast augmentation procedure that can necessitate breast implant removal.

By researching the risks of breast augmentation, you can make an informed decision about your health and appearance. You should use the information in this guide to form questions for your next medical consultation.

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Dr. Cohen

About Dr. Cohen

Dr. Cohen specializes in breast lifts, augmentations, revisions and reductions as well as breast cancer reconstructions. A long time dream of Dr. Cohen’s was to travel to developing countries and provide expert surgical care to those who have no other possible access to medical care. This became a reality in 2007 when she became a founding member and Vice President of ISMS Operation Kids.