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Risks in Breast Augmentation
Possible Reasons for Dissatisfaction
As with all surgery, certain risks are inherent in breast augmentation. As your decisions will hinge on your understanding of the risks, it is important to gain a clear understanding of this. An in-depth discussion with your plastic surgeon is also essential. The following links will help guide you through each risk.
Capsular contracture
Interference with mammography
Implant displacement
Implant deflation (saline) or rupture (silicone)
Rippling and wrinkling
Sloshing
Infection
Nipple sensory changes
Hematoma
Tips for lowering your risks
How often will my implants need to be replaced?
The internet is flooded with claims that breast implants last 10 years, at which time they must be replaced. This simply is not true. Whether your implants are 10, 20, or 30 years old, you need not replace them unless there is a problem. Many of the problems which lead to revision or replacement are usually evident within the first three months (infection, hematoma, asymmetry, displacement, etc.) So, if these problems do not occur within the first few months, they might never occur. Other problems, such as rippling and wrinkling can become evident early on, after weight loss, or as you age. Rupture (for silicone), deflation (for saline), and capsular contracture (for any implant) can occur at any time and are the primary things you need to be concerned about as you and your implants age. Yet, if none of these things occur, you need not have revision surgery or new implants. Of course, some women seek revision for a change in size as they age, but this is not due to a problem with the implant. Finally, some problems do not lend themselves to surgery, as surgery does not improve them. These include persistent numbness or pain.
Not all women with implants require further breast surgery, but it is prudent to assume that sooner or later, revision surgery will be required for one of the reasons mentioned above.
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