Average Total Cost : $6,000
Surgeons fee: $3,050
Anesthesiologist: $700
Facility fee: $950
Implant fee: $1,300
*Fees generally vary according to region of country and patient
needs.
Possible risks and complications of breast surgery
Anesthesia reaction
Asymmetry
Bleeding
Breast droop
Capsular Contracture (hardening of scar tissue around implant)
Deflation (approximately 7%)
Displacement
Hematoma (pooling of clotted blood; risk is 3-4%)
Implant leak
Infection (risk is less than 1%; always involves removal of implant)
Interference with mammography
Keloid (heavy scar)
Nerve Damage
Nipple numbness
Pain
Permanent numbness (risk is 15%)
Reactions to medications
Rippling
Rupture of the implant (often due to injury)
Seroma (pooling of watery blood)
Skin irregularities
Sloshing
Slow healing
Swelling
Symmastia (breasts merge into one mass)
Visible scar
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications associated with
breast augmentation. It occurs when the scar tissue hardens around the implant.
It may be more common following infection, hematoma, and seroma. Capsular Contracture
is much less common and less severe with saline implants than with silicone
breast implants.-93.
Hematoma/Seroma
Hematoma is a collection of blood inside a body cavity, and seroma is a collection
of watery blood around the implant or around the incision. Postoperatively,
they may contribute to infection and/or capsular contracture. If a hematoma
occurs, it is usually soon after surgery; it can also occur after an injury
to the breast. While the body absorbs small hematomas and seromas, large ones
will require the placement of surgical drains for proper healing. A small scar
can result from surgical draining.
Implant displacement
Implants can move out of position at anytime after surgery. If they move only
a little, it may not be noticeable. If they move a lot, you may need surgery
to put them into position. This is very uncommon except in women who have very
large implants. The larger the implant, the greater the chance that it will
displace.
Infection
Infection is very uncommon. The risk is about 1% but if it occurs the implants
will have to be removed. If infection does occur, it is usually within six weeks
of surgery.
Necrosis
Necrosis is the dead tissue around the implant. This may prevent wound healing
and require surgical correction and/or implant removal. Permanent scar and/or
deformity may occur following necrosis. Factors associated with increased necrosis
include infection, use of steroids in the surgical pocket, smoking, chemotherapy/radiation,
and excessive heat or cold therapy.
Galactorrhea
Sometimes after breast implant surgery, you may begin producing breast milk.
This is more likely if you have previously lactated. The milk production often
stops spontaneously or medication may be given to suppress milk production.
In other cases, removal of the implant(s) may be needed.
Mammography
Saline and silicone implants affect a mammogram reading. Implants placed below
the muscle permit a clearer reading. When implants are below the muscle, 90%
of breast tissue is visible. When implants are above the muscle, 75% of breast
tissue is visible.
Rippling
Rippling looks like indentations or waviness on the surface of the breast. It
is the saline moving inside the implants. In most cases it occurs during movement.
According to a 1994 survey (commissioned by implant manufacturers) 12% of women
who were dissatisfied with their implants were dissatisfied because of rippling.
Rippling is less likely to occur with implants that have a smooth surface. It
is more common in implants that are placed above the muscle, especially in women
with little or no breast tissue. Rippling can be a result of underfilling the
implant.
Sagging
Sagging is less likely in implants placed above the muscle. Because the implant
is likely to be higher on the chest than the breast tissue, you may have separate
tissue hanging from the firmer implant. Your surgeon may recommend a mastopexy
(breast lift) in addition to the augmentation.
Sensation Loss/Change
After surgery, you may have temporary or permanent numbness. There is also possibility
of diminished sensation or increased sensitivity. The risk of having permanently
numb nipples is roughly 15%.
Implants placed above the muscle may have a greater risk for this as the surgery
may interfere with breast tissue near the skin. You can also expect sensation
change if your incision is in the aerola. If the surgeon injures the nerves
which lead to the nipple area it can lead to temporary or permanent numbness.
All incisions have a risk of diminished sensation.
Rupture or Leak
Rupture of Saline Implants
If a saline implant breaks, it will deflate and the salt water will be absorbed
by the body. Alert your physician right away as the implants will have to be
replaced. Some implants deflate or rupture in the first few months after being
implanted and some deflate after several years. You should also be aware that
the breast implant may wear out over time and deflate. Additional surgery is
needed to remove deflated implants.
Information provided is for general education about breast
augmentation, saline and silicone breast implants, and other cosmetic surgery
procedures. This information is subject to change. SafeBreastPills.com does
not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, and is not responsible for any
actions resulting from the use of this information. General information provided
in this fashion should not be construed as specific medical advice or recommendation,
and is not a substitute for a consultation and physical examination by a physician.
Only discussion of your individual needs with a qualified physician will determine
the best method of treatment for you. All board certified plastic surgeons listed
are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certified
plastic surgeons are verified by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
