Breast Implant Procedures: Surgery, Cost, & Complications

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How is a breast implant procedure performed?

A breast implant procedure (to insert saline, silicone, or gummy bear implants) includes the following steps: 

  1. At the outset, you are administered the required amount of anesthesia.
  2. The surgeon then makes an incision under your breast, on the sides, or around your nipples depending on your body type, the type of implant you are opting for, and the size of enlargement that you seek.
  3. He creates a pocket and places the implant either above or below the pectoral muscle.
  4. Finally the doctor the sutures the incision dresses the breast.

What are the possible complications one may face after a breast implant procedure? 

The possible complications that you may face after a breast implant include:

   1. Capsular Contracture

When implants are placed in the breasts, in some women scar tissue forms around the implants, this is called capsular contracture. This may cause distortion of the breasts, as the capsular contracture may squeeze the implant out of the normal position and may cause the breasts to look and feel different apart from causing pain, swelling, redness, lumps and tingling. Capsular contracture is one of the most common side effects of having breast implants and is treatable through surgery. There are also cases where patients develop repeated capsular contractures.

    2. Implant Rupture Or Deflation

Another risk is that of implant rupture or deflation, which can cause pain. Ruptures can be caused by: 

  • rippling, or the appearance of visible folds or wrinkles in the implant which shows through the skin
  • capsular contracture, when the scar tissue forms and squeezes the implant.
  • breast trauma caused by sudden significant pressure
  • defective implants which may be overfilled or underfilled, or normal aging of the implant.

Different types of implants have different effects when they rupture:

  • If a saline implant ruptures, the implant will deflate which will change the size and shape of the affected breast. The leaking saline solution will be absorbed by your body and expelled naturally.  However, you'll need a surgery to remove the case of the saline implant which is made of silicone. A new implant can be inserted at the same time if you wish.
  • When a silicone implant ruptures, it is usually a silent rupture. A ruptured silicone gel implant may not be obvious for many years. You will not know it immediately. The leaking silicone stays in the breast, but in some women, it may migrate to other parts of the body such as lymph nodes under the arm, and major organs such as the lungs, from where it is impossible to remove.
  • When a gummy bear implant ruptures, the thicker silicone filling is expected to stay right in place and not migrate anywhere else in the body. In fact, the leakage rate after a gummy bear implant rupture is pretty low. Surgery will be required to set it right.

Please Note: Undergoing revision surgery in cases of breast implants is not risk-free.  It is advisable to discuss pros and cons at length with the doctor before undergoing the surgery. 

If you opt for silicone or gummy bear implants, it is important to frequently undergo an MRI scan to check for leakage. A mammogram is not advisable as the squeezing can make contents of the implants spill outside the scar tissue.

What are the common risks involved with breast implant surgeries? 

Some risks that may occur as a result of breast implant surgery are:

  • hemorrhage
  • infections
  • haematoma
  • thrombosis
  • leakage from the implants
  • medical complications like fibromyalgia or thyroid problem, skin necrosis, thrombosis, or delayed wound healing
  • distortion of breast shape due to an implant rupture, or if an implant moves due to the pressure of capsular contracture
  • affects the ability to breastfeed a child, as the surgery can damage the milk ducts, or the pressure of the implants can harm the breast tissue.

Are there any post-surgery guidelines related to breast implant surgery?

After a breast implant surgery, you will be required to sleep on your back and completely avoid sleeping on your stomach or sides for 6 weeks. 

You need to:

  • avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages
  • driving for a few weeks
  • all forms of rigorous exercises and lifting any weight heavier than 5 lbs or 2 kgs for the first 6 weeks, although your surgeon may suggest some light exercises

A three to five days of no-obligations rest is highly advisable after a breast augmentation surgery. If you so wish, you can rejoin work after 5 days as long as it is a ‘desk job,’ and does not involve any rigorous physical activity.

You can take a shower after 48 hours of surgery, though it is important not to soak in a bathtub for at least 3 weeks after the surgery.
Post the operation, you may be provided with surgical bra and compression bands, which you may have to wear continuously for a few days, though that depends entirely upon the protocols of the operating method used by the surgeon. Some surgeons may also advise you to wear a sports bra, which allows support and compression.

How long will it take to recover from a breast implant surgery? 

The complete recovery time varies from patient to patient, depending on:

  • where the incision was made
  • what is the size of the implant
  • whether the implant was placed above or below the pectoral muscle

The healing process usually takes 2-3 months. 

What is the price of a breast implant procedure for breast augmentation/enhancement in India? 

The price for breast implant procedure in India ranges between Rs.1,00,000 - Rs.200,000 depending on the type and size of implant and the facilities in the particular hospital. 

Are the results of breast implant procedure for breast augmentation/enhancement permanent?

Although breast implants do have the possibility of lasting a lifetime, replacements often seem to be in order due to ruptures, leakage, and capsular contracture. In some women, however, the implants are also seen to last for 10-30 years. Results therefore vary. 

More Topics Related to Breast Enhancement/Augmentation Procedures

People interested in this topic also read:

References

  1. de Boer M, van Leeuwen F, Hauptmann M, Overbeek L, de Boer J, Hijmering N et al. Breast Implants and the Risk of Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma in the Breast [Internet]. 2018 [cited 28 March 2018]. Available from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2667737?redirect=true

  2. de Boer M  , van Leeuwen FE , Hauptmann M  , Overbeek LIH , de Boer JP , Hijmering NJ  , Sernee A , Klazen CAH , Lobbes MBI , van der Hulst RRWJ , Rakhorst HA , de Jong D   Breast Implants and the Risk of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma in the Breast [Internet]. Vumc.nl. 2018 [cited 28 March 2018]. Available from: https://www.vumc.nl/4978246/26265/21107374/21107384/JAMA_Oncology_-_Breast_Implants_and_the_Risk_of_Anaplastic_Large-Cell_Lymphoma_in_the_Breast.pdf

  3. Srinivasa D, Miranda R, Kaura A, Francis A, Campanale A, Boldrini R et al. Global Adverse Event Reports of Breast Implant–Associated ALCL [Internet]. 2018 [cited 28 March 2018]. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2017/05000/Global_Adverse_Event_Reports_of_Breast.1.asp

  4.  Hillard C, Fowler JD, Barta R, Cunningham B. Silicone breast implant rupture: a review  [Internet]. 2018 [cited 28 March 2018]. Available from:                                                  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5409893

Would you like to consult a doctor for Breast Implant Procedures ?

Questions answered by trusted doctors

Verified User
Hello, I'm getting a breast augmentation (implants) in about 3 weeks and have a couple concerns about the risks involved. I've been reading a lot about "breast implant illness" and it is really deterring me from getting the surgery. Apparently many women complain that their implants have made them very sick and they eventually get them explanted and suddenly feel better. Do you know anything about this? If so, do you know about what percentage of women who get implants experience this? Is this
Dr. Sushma Shah
General Physician, Vadodara
Hello,

Silicon  implant?  A little percentage  having complains, as per my knowledge. DON'T  Mind you must have search it before  implant,  now  DON'T  worry,  everything is  correct.
O. K,  bye.

Verified User
Hi doctor, I want to go for breast enhancement and would like to inquire about the same like what are the complications, side effects, before after size , cost and if I give birth in future will breast feeding will be an issue ?
Dr. Gajanan S Manamwar
Ayurveda, Pune
You can increase your brest size by Ayurveda medications correction in food.
Consult online directly for more details.
Artificial things are harmful go natural way.
Hi
Implant is not a better idea..
Breast cancer is one of the cause of implant
And s it will definitely affect ur breast feeding..
And it is little expensive and need precaution s to be followed ..
Ask health queries and get free answers from doctors in 24 hrs

Did you know?

Incisions for saline and silicon implants

Saline implants require smaller incisions than silicone implants. This is because saline implants can be inflated after they’ve been placed in the breast pocket. Silicone implants though are prefilled. Therefore, to accommodate silicon implants larger incisions are required.

Breast implants are not permanent

Breast implants usually don’t last forever. Therefore at least 25% of the women invariably need another breast surgery after 10 years. The reasons could vary from an implant leak to formation of scar tissue, also known as capsular contracture, or due to sudden weight loss, pregnancy, etc.

Types of breast implants

Breast implants can be smooth or textured. Smooth implants have a more natural and soft feel and can move with the breast implant pocket. Smooth implants require large pockets and are associated with a 10% incidence of capsule contracture i.e. formation of scar tissue around the implant. There are very few complaints of rippling or wrinkling associated with smooth implants. Textured implants are rough and are associated with a 3% incidence of capsule contracture. Textured implants though have a 7-9% occurrence of rippling or wrinkling.

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