Breast enhancement or augmentation
Potential complications and risks of breast enlargement / augmentation
All operations carry potential complications and risks, and your consultant will ensure you are fully aware of all these before you commit to surgery.
All patients are advised not to take drugs containing aspirin, ibuprofen or gingko biloba for at least a week before their operation as these can cause bleeding. Smoking affects your skin blood vessels and makes both bleeding after the operation and the risk of skin dying more likely.
All patients are advised not to take drugs containing aspirin, ibuprofen or gingko biloba for at least a week before their operation.
There are possible long-term complications known to be associated with breast implants. For example, there is an 8% risk of capsule formation with the newer type of implants. This causes a feeling of unusual firmness in one or both breasts, and sometimes tenderness. In its more severe form, the breast may become hard and the shape may become distorted. If this occurs then changing the position of the implant is possible, but sometimes removal is the only solution.
Capsular contracture, where the implant can shrink, is significantly lower in patients receiving textured implants, and we always use high quality textured implants. Recent advances have led some manufacturers to provide a written warranty. Different implants from different manufacturers also differ in their behaviours and life spans. Allergan are one such company – please refer to their brochure for more information.
It is important to check your breasts regularly and if you notice any rapid change in size or shape then you should contact us.
It is important to check your breasts regularly and if you notice any rapid change in size or shape then you should contact us. There is no medical risk if your implant ruptures, but it is best to remove it as soon as possible to reduce the risk of inflammation and maintain your desired shape.
You should also check regularly for signs of breast cancer. Ordinary mammograms cannot be performed if implants are present, but there are alternative techniques available.
Breastfeeding should be possible after breast augmentation, but can be difficult due to altered nipple sensation.
