Immediately following breast implant surgery, swelling, pain, bruising and tenderness are normal. These complications can last for several weeks and sometimes longer, but should diminish over time. It is recommended that the patient discuss issues such as scarring, pain and recovery times with the plastic surgeon as these vary among individuals. In some cases the surgeon will place a drain in the tissue to prevent the accumulation of blood and fluid. This will then be removed within several days after the surgery.

The surgeon will most likely prescribe medications for pain and nausea. Any symptoms that may indicate an infection, such as fever or redness of the breast, should be evaluated by a physician. Also, a post-operative bra, compression bandage or athletic bra is often recommended as it provides additional support during recovery.

For breast augmentation, the nipple is left intact. However, because the nipple is removed with mastectomy, breast cancer patients may choose to have nipple reconstruction, followed by a darkening of the skin around the nipple (areola) with a tattoo. The tattooing can be performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital or sometimes in the plastic surgeon’s office.

Breast implants are not meant to last indefinitely. Rupture, deflation or several other complications are possible. Although some patients may have implants that take 10 years or more to rupture or deflate, others may experience problems within the first few months.

Patients should immediately notify their physician if they experience any of the following signs and symptoms that may indicate that a silicone implant has ruptured:

• Decreased breast size
• A change in the shape of the implant
• Hard lumps in the areas that surround the implant
• An uneven appearance of the breast
• Tingling, swelling, numbness, burning or any changes in sensations

If a silicone breast implant does rupture and the silicone gel escapes the capsule, it is possible for the gel to cause lumps, known as granulomas, to form in the breast, chest wall, armpit, arm or even distant organs such as the liver. It is difficult and at times impossible to remove silicone gel that has migrated to other areas. In addition, silicone implant ruptures may not always cause symptoms (known as "silent rupture"). Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  advises patients with silicone implants to undergo MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) testing at three years after implantation and then every two years thereafter to screen for rupture.

When a saline implant ruptures, the body absorbs the fluid. Still, if a decrease in breast size or an uneven appearance of the breast causes a woman to suspect that her saline implant has ruptured, she should contact her physician.

Women who have had breast implants will still need to have regular screening for breast cancer. However, breast implants may interfere with normal mammography, affecting both the performance and the interpretation of mammograms. Additionally, women with implants are at risk of having them rupture during the compression required to perform a proper mammogram. The occurrence is fairly uncommon with only 41 cases of implant ruptures during mammography reported to the FDA between 1992 and 2002. It is best to discuss cancer screening options with a qualified physician, preferably an oncologist or plastic surgeon.