Breast Implant Risks: An Overview of What Can Go Wrong

A risk list is not a prediction. It is the set of possibilities you should understand before consenting, together with how likely they are, how they are treated and who pays for further care.

Risks of any surgery

• Bleeding, infection and wound-healing problems.
• Reactions to anaesthesia.
• Blood clots.
• Scarring, which can be wide, raised or discoloured.

Risks specific to implants

• Capsular contracture, where scar tissue tightens around the implant.
• Implant rupture or leakage.
• Displacement, rotation or visible rippling.
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation.
• Asymmetry or an unsatisfactory appearance.
• Fluid collection (seroma) and haematoma.
• Difficulty with breastfeeding in some cases.
• Interference with breast imaging.
• Rare serious conditions such as BIA-ALCL.
• The chance of further surgery.

Risk is not the same for everyone

Smoking, existing conditions, implant type, size and surgical technique can all affect risk. Ask your surgeon to explain what applies to you rather than quoting a general figure.

How complications are managed

Most complications have a management pathway: antibiotics or drainage for infection, surgery for a large haematoma, capsule surgery for contracture, and removal or replacement for rupture. Ask who would manage each problem, where, and at what cost. A plan that describes only the operation but not the aftercare is incomplete.

Reading risk figures

Be careful with percentages: they depend on the study, the implant, how long people were followed and how a complication was defined. A single figure cannot describe your risk. Ask where the numbers come from, and ask what happens if the complication occurs.

Second opinions and cooling off

You do not have to decide at the first consultation. A cooling-off period gives you time to check the surgeon, the facility and the implant. If a clinic discourages this, treat that as a warning sign.

Informed consent

A proper consent process means you receive written information, the surgeon explains benefits, risks and alternatives, you have time to reflect and ask questions, and you can say no at any point.

Questions to ask

• What are the most likely complications for me?
• How are they treated, and who covers the cost?
• What would make you advise against surgery for me?