16 November 2013

Breast implantsComplications of breast implants

Breast implants | Complications of breast implants | Health Library | NHS Inform












  • After having breast implant surgery, about 30% of women will require further surgery within 10 years of their initial operation.
  • Additional surgery may be needed as a result of complications such as capsular contracture (hardening of the scar capsule around the implant, see below), age-related changes to the breast or the shell of the implant rupturing (splitting).
  • All forms of surgery carry some degree of risk. Complications that can affect anyone who has surgery include: an adverse reaction to the anaesthetic excessive bleeding risk of infection developing blood clots (where the blood thickens to form solid lumps)
  • There are also a number of complications that are specifically associated with breast implant surgery. Some of these are discussed below.