Breast augmentation can pose certain health risks. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is charged with approving and monitoring the safety of breast implant devices, there are several potential complications. The FDA reports that as many as 40 percent of women who receive implants suffer at least one serious complication within the first three years of the surgery, many of which require additional surgery. Common surgical procedures include implant removal (with or without replacement), repositioning of the implant and biopsy/cyst removal.

Among the more common complications for breast cancer patients is asymmetry (a noticeable difference between the breasts). For all breast implant patients, it is also possible to experience tenderness or pain anywhere in the breast, including the nipple, after surgery. Capsular contracture (scar tissue) is another common problem after breast implant surgery. If the scar tissue surrounding the implants begins to tighten, it may squeeze the implants, causing them to feel hard. This condition can be treated by removing the scar tissue, but sometimes involves the replacement of the implants. Breast tissue atrophy (shrinkage) and calcium deposits that develop around the implants are also common. 

Perhaps the most common problem of all is a rupture or deflation. An implant that ruptures or tears because of trauma, mammography or normal wear and tear allows the contents of the implant (saline or silicone) to leak into the body. If the implants must be removed because of an infection or other reason, a chest wall deformity can result. Breast augmentation can also lead to extrusion, in which the implant begins to break through the skin, as well as delayed wound healing. Other complications may include:

• Galactorrhea. Milk production is inadvertently stimulated.
  
  
• Granuloma. Benign lumps develop as a reaction to a foreign body (the breast implant).
  
  
• Hematoma. Swelling, pain and especially bruising may result from a collection of blood around the surgery site.
  
  
• Iatrogenic injury/damage. Excessive handling or possibly damage caused by surgical instruments to the implants.
  
  
• Infection, including toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Infections are not uncommon after any surgical procedure. However, an infection that does not respond to antibiotics may force the removal of the implants until the infection has been cleared up. In rare cases, TSS can create a life-threatening bacterial infection within the body. Any patient experiencing sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, dizziness or a sunburn-like rash should seek immediate medical attention.
  
  
• Inflammation/irritation. A normal reaction from breast augmentation surgery includes swelling of the breasts and possibly the entire chest area.
  
  
• Malposition/displacement. A number of factors can cause the implants to shift, including poor initial placement, trauma or capsular contracture.
  
  
• Necrosis. Dead tissue around the implants, which, in turn, can lead to infection. The dead tissue can be caused by smoking, chemotherapy, radiation, excessive heat, cold therapy or the use of steroids.
  
  
• Nipple/breast sensation changes. These changes in the sensitivity of the breast and nipple can be mild to severe and temporary or permanent.
  
  
• Palpability/visibility. The implant is said to be palpable when it can be felt through the skin and visible when it can be seen through skin.
  
  
• Ptosis. This undesirable cosmetic result is a sagging or drooping of the breast.
  
  
• Redness/bruising. Redness and/or bruising are a common side effect of many surgical procedures.
  
  
• Sagging. Breast implants will not prevent the breasts from sagging after pregnancy or following extreme fluctuations in weight.
  
  
• Scarring. All incisions heal by forming a scar, but the degree will vary from patient to patient.
  
  
• Seroma. The watery portion of blood pools around the implants or at the site of the incision, causing swelling, pain and possibly bruising. Though it may heal on its own, if it does not, a drain may need to be inserted.
  
  
• Unsatisfactory style/size. The end result can, at times, be cosmetically or aesthetically displeasing to the patient or physician.
  
  
• Wrinkling or rippling. At times, the implants can wrinkle or have ripples that are noticeable through the skin.

Many of these complications can cause varying degrees of pain or discomfort after breast augmentation surgery. Improper placement, surgical technique, improper size or capsular contracture can lead to pain and tenderness. Any patient experiencing breast pain should consult her physician. 

Women choosing to have their implants permanently removed may experience dimpling, puckering, wrinkling, breast tissue loss or other cosmetic changes. Patients should be aware that many of these changes cannot be reversed.