Risks

Breast augmentation poses various risks, including:

• Scar tissue that distorts the shape of the breast implant (capsular contracture)
• Breast pain
• Infection
• Changes in nipple and breast sensation
• Implant position changes
• Implant leakage or rupture

Correcting these complications might require more surgery, to either remove or replace the implants.

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified a possible association between breast implants and the development of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), an uncommon cancer of the immune system. The condition is known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). The FDA believes that women with breast implants that have textured surfaces have a very low but increased risk of developing BIA-ALCL. However, that doesn't mean that these implants cause BIA-ALCL. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between the condition and breast implants.

Breast implant illness

Systemic symptoms ? sometimes called breast implant illness ? may be associated with breast implants. The exact relationship of these symptoms to breast implants is not clearly understood. Reported signs and symptoms include fatigue, memory loss, skin rash, trouble concentrating and thinking clearly, and joint pain. Removal of the breast implants may reverse the symptoms. Research to determine the link and the cause is ongoing. Talk to your plastic surgeon if you have breast implants and experience any of these signs and symptoms.

If you notice any changes to your breasts or implants, talk to your doctor. Ongoing follow-up visits and appropriate screening tests can detect and address possible complications related to breast augmentation surgery.