Breast Implants: Procedure, Risk And Complications

Breast augmentation or breast implants is the name given to insertion of natural or synthetic materials into breast tissue in order to make them look larger.The decision for the surgery depends upon the amount of tissue the surgeon would need to work with and place implants into the breasts. It also depends upon the body type of the candidates.

The structure of breasts is composed of two components- epithelial and structural. The epithelial component functions to produce milk and the structural component provide support and protection to the breast tissues. Breast implants are fitted to the structural component.

Breast implants are valves which either contain either silicone or salt water.  Use of silicone has been banned since 1992 by FDA. The shape of the implant is either round or contoured. Most women choose round breast implants because they provide fullness and a great cleavage. But it appears artificial because of excess lift that it provides. On the other hand contouring provides a more natural shape to resemble original breasts.

Contouring breast implants were initially used to treat breast problems but soon became part of the plastic surgery. Most of the breast implants are pre-filled sacs and others may swell after the surgery to provide fullness.

Despite the advantage offered by the breast implant, the surgery provides several disadvantages. Following are risks and complications involved in the breast implant surgery.

Common complications include abnormal bleeding or clotting in the area where implants have been placed. Leakage of the implant may occur any time. The risk increases with each year passing by. The leakage requires immediate replacement or removal of the implant due to risk of toxicity involved.

This throws a light on the fact that if breast implants are performed at a younger age then the candidate may require frequent surgeries every 10 to 15 years in order to maintain the shape and firmness.

Breast implants done to make the breasts to look extra large may lead to skin necrosis due to lack of blood supple to all the skin tissue.

Other side effects and risks include general body ache, swollen lymph glands, swelling in hands and feet, skin rash and weakness in muscles.