The major negative sequelae of this procedure are related to the use of a prosthetic device. These include implant rupture, or leaking, and capsular contracture, which is the tightening or firmness of the fibrous capsule the body naturally forms around the synthetic implant. In some patients, this capsule becomes so thick and tight that the breast becomes hard and painful, and surgery may be required to break up or remove the capsule. Some surgeons tell their patients to massage the breasts during the first 3 to 6 months to help prevent this problem. Folds in the implant may be evident in the thin-skinned patient.
In about 1% of patients, infection develops around the implant. Postoperative bleeding, hematoma formation, and anesthetic complications also are postoperative complications. Although many patients experience some change in nipple sensation, it is usually temporary unless a nipple incision was used. Dislocation of the implant is rare.
Breast augmentation does not affect the ability to breastfeed. The implants do not impede the interpretation of chest X-rays, but they do create a hazy opacity on mammograms and special techniques are required when mammograms are done to displace the implant to better view the breast tissue. There is no evidence that breast implants increase the incidence of breast cancer, and no evidence that the stage at which breast cancers are detected is higher in women with implants.28 and 29 If a needle biopsy is ever required, care must be taken to avoid puncturing the prosthesis.