Possible Complications with Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammoplasty)

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Even though breast implants are well tolerated for most Hawaii breast enhancement patients, your body’s natural reaction to a foreign material is to surround it with a thin membrane called a "capsule" in order to stay in the desired pocket. The formation of this capsule itself is not a problem and occurs in every patient. In some cases, for reasons that are as yet not completely understood, this capsule can shrink around one or both implants, compressing the implant and making it round and firm. This is called capsular contracture and can occur in varying degrees. Although some women may consider some firmness desirable, the capsule can cause the breast to become unnaturally firm, misshapen or uncomfortable. Capsular contracture may occur from a few weeks to several years after the initial Hawaii breast enhancement procedure.

There is no way to predict your body's reaction following breast augmentation in Hawaii. Placing the breast implant under the muscle, in some cases, can reduce the incidence of capsular contracture. If a patient does develop capsular contracture, surgical intervention may be required.

The opposite of capsular contracture can also occur after breast enhancement. In these cases, the breast implants begin in a satisfactory position but several months later there is spontaneous expansion of the capsule. This is described medically as an inferior and lateral migration of the implants. If this happens, the patient will require closure of the breast pocket to reposition the implant either through the original incision or through a small inframammary incision.

While there is no evidence that breast implants cause breast cancer, it is recommended that patients have a mammogram before their breast augmentation in Hawaii to establish a baseline. Thereafter, when having a mammogram be sure to go to a radiology center where the radiologist is experienced in the (Eklund) special technique required for an accurate x-ray of a patient with breast implants. It is emphasized that regular breast examination and mammograms are the best way to detect early cancers.

If you want to learn more about breast enhancement complications or you’re worried about a particular risk, request a Free Breast Augmentation Consultation with Hawaii plastic surgeon Dr. S. Larry Schlesinger at his plastic surgery offices in Honolulu, Maui and Kona.