Prevention Recovery

Potential Risks

For the most in-depth information about complications and an assessment of your specific risk profile with breast augmentation, be sure to ask Dr. Chaffoo plenty of questions during your consultation. La Jolla and San Diego breast augmentation patients should be aware of the following possible complications:

• Infection is uncommon and can be treated with antibiotics.
• Capsular contracture is one of the more common complications of breast augmentation. When capsular contracture occurs, excessive scar tissue will develop and squeeze the implant, causing the breasts to become hard, visibly unbalanced and/or physically uncomfortable.
• Loss of sensation is usually temporary and restricted to the nipple and skin.
• Scarring can be concealed and minimized by a skilled surgeon but the result will depend on many factors, such as incision method and an individual patient's skin type.
• Wrinkling is more common with saline implants. The implant may appear to have a wrinkled texture on the upper portion of the breast when viewed from certain angles.
• Asymmetry is usually not obvious as the human body is not perfectly symmetrical. As the implants settle into place following surgery, one may rest slightly higher or lower than the other.
• Calcium deposits can develop several years after surgery and may make mammograms more difficult to perform.

Each breast implant type has its own safety profile with unique physical characteristics that affect the chance of rupture or other complications. Studies show that the Sientra® Silimed® line of cohesive gel breast implants, now offered by Dr. Chaffoo, may have a lowered risk of complications. Ask Dr. Chaffoo about these newly available implants.

There are other, more general risks that can be associated with surgery of any kind. Dr. Chaffoo will discuss these with you fully during your initial consultation.