Health encyclopaedia

· Capsular contracture

This is when the scar tissue that naturally forms around the breast implant begins to shrink, causing the implant to harden and, in some cases, begin to deform. This is estimated to occur in around 1 in 10 women who have had breast implant surgery and requires further surgery to remove and replace the implant.

· Rupture

This is when the implant splits or tears and was much more common before the early 1990’s when improved breast implants were introduced. The danger from ruptured implants is that the contents of the implant will escape from the shell into the breast, causing small lumps called siliconomas. Siliconomas can cause tenderness or pain in the breast and the implant may need to be removed. Very occasionally, silicone has been found in tissue around the breast, muscle or arm.

Firm, silicone gel implants are less likely to cause these complications as they are designed to keep their shape even if the implant shell ruptures.

· Infection

Any kind of surgical procedure carries a small risk of infection. Antibiotics are used to treat infection. However, if the infection cannot be successfully treated with antibiotics, the implant may need to be removed and replaced.

The risk of infection is higher if a large haematoma (collection of blood) or seroma (collection of watery fluid) is present immediately after surgery. The body is able to absorb small haematomas or seromas but may need the help of a surgical drain to remove larger ones. Surgical draining can also increase the risk of deflation or rupturing.

· Deflation.

This means that the implant has deflated and reduced in size. It can occur as a result of complications after surgery such as capsular contracture and rupturing.

· Mammography interference.

Subglandular placement (when the implant is placed between the chest and breast muscle) may cause difficulties with mammography as it can cause an obstruction.