Knowing the problems that might develop following breast augmentation with saline breast implants would help you to judge whether the benefits associated with the breast reconstruction process would outweigh its drawbacks and vice versa.
A saline breast implant comprises of a silicone shell filled with a saline solution. They are suitable for all women above the age of 18.
Problems Of Saline Breast Implants
Breast Pain
According to data collected by US-based saline breast implants manufacturers, approximately 5 to 17% women with saline breast implants experience pain in the breast and in the nipple area.
Breast Tissue Atrophy
The pressure exerted by the breast implants on the breast tissues might lead to breast tissue atrophy, a condition characterized by shrinking and thinning of the breast tissues and skin.
Capsular Contracture
The capsule around the breast implant might tighten, leading to hardening of the affected breast. It is a common cause of displacement of the implant from the original area.
Hematoma
Women with breast implants are vulnerable to hematoma. Blood accumulating outside the blood vessel is known as hematoma. It might occur after breast reconstruction at the surgery site. Even a small injury to the breast might trigger hematoma. Small blood clots are absorbed in the body. However, medical intervention is needed to remove the large hematomas.
Infection
Despite improvement in the surgical processes, the risk of developing post surgery infections could not be ruled out. In most cases, infections develop within few days after the surgery. Rarely, the symptoms of infection appear few weeks after the breast reconstruction surgery. Removal of the breast implant is often the only option for stopping recurrent infections or infections that do not respond to antibiotics.
Necrosis
Necrosis or death of breast skin or tissues might occur after breast augmentation with saline implants. It is a sign of poor blood flow to the affected area. Necrosis could be a symptom of breast infection.
Also Read
The Truth About Breast Reduction Surgery
Different Techniques Of Breast Reduction Surgery
Benefits & Risks Of Breast Augmentation
How Is Breast Augmentation Done?
Inflammation and Irritation
Injury to the breast tissues might trigger breast inflammation.
Saline Breast Implant Rupture
In most cases, the saline breast implants do not pose any serious risk to the breast tissues. In the worst case of implant rupture, the saline solution leaking from the implant is absorbed by the breast tissues without producing any adverse side effect. However, surgery is required to remove the silicon shell of the implant from the breast.
Reduces Breast Milk Production
Breast implants are not suitable for breastfeeding women. They inhibit milk secretion. Hence, to facilitate breastfeeding, make sure that the implants had been removed from the breasts.
Complicates Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer tumors might hide behind the breast implants, complicating breast cancer diagnosis. For a clearer and better picture of the breast tissues, women with breast implants frequently need additional images during the routine mammography screening. This might push up the mammography cost.
Reduction in Breast Sensation
Frequently women with breast implants complain about numbness in the breast. The degree of breast or nipple sensation changes varies from woman to woman. In most cases, it subsides naturally. However, in some cases the sensation changes might persist, thereby affecting sexual response and impairing breastfeeding.
