
20 November 2024
Common Breast Surgery Complications and How to Resolve Them
Every surgery comes with risks and side effects. So it’s important you are aware of the potential complications and how to prepare for them.
Following breast surgery, there are general side effects, which can include:
- Pain and soreness
- Feeling tight chested
- Fatigue
- Swelling and bruising
Although a high number of successful breast procedures are performed every year, there are possible risks involved. If you’re considering breast surgery, you want to understand them before you make your decision.
In this guide, we’ll discuss common breast surgery complications and how to resolve them.
Breast Implant Scaring
A common breast surgery complication is the formation of scar tissue around the implant. This is known as capsular contracture. Over time, this scar tissue can tighten and make the breast feel firmer or change its shape. Which can cause discomfort, pain or changes in appearance. Capsular contracture can occur within months or even years after your surgery.
Resolution
Scarring after surgery is quite common and can typically be fixed or reduced. To prevent or reduce scarring:
- Avoid direct sun exposure on healing skin
- Redress the wound regularly to keep it clean
In case of capsular contracture, your surgeon can attempt to remove the scar tissue. Or they will have to replace the existing breast implant with a new one.
Infection After Breast Surgery
All surgeries carry a risk of infection. After breast surgery, you’re most susceptible to an infection during the first few weeks of your recovery.
We take every precaution to uphold a sterile environment during and after the procedure. After surgery, a member of your team will teach you how to properly care for your wounds. It’s important you maintain this, to minimise any risks of infection.
Signs of infection after breast surgery:
- Fever
- Intense pain
- Redness and inflammation
- foul-smelling discharge from the incision
Resolution
We recommend you to contact your surgeon as soon as you notice any signs of an infection. This gives you the best chance of successfully treating it. You will probably be prescribed antibiotics and be advised to rest.
In cases of a severe infection or if it hasn’t cleared after antibiotics, your implant may need to be removed. This means the affected area can be properly treated and reduces any other health complications. The affected breast will not undergo surgery until it’s safe, typically around 3 months later.
Changes in Sensation
Breast surgery risks can include a change in sensation in your breasts or nipples. Some women experience numbness, while others may feel increased sensitivity. These changes are often temporary, but in some cases can be permanent. Usually after several months, your sensation will gradually return.
You are more likely to experience a loss of sensation if:
- A large amount of breast tissue or portion of the nipple is removed
- You are a smoker or vape nicotine
- You have an underlying condition affecting your blood circulation, nervous system or healing.
Resolution
Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully to reduce any breast surgery risks. They may suggest gentle massage exercises to help stimulate sensation. But always discuss this with your surgical team first to understand when this is safe to do.
Gradually, sensation may return, though the timeline can be different for everyone. If the sensation does not return, your surgeon can give you further advice. You can also discuss any concerns about sensation loss with your surgeon before the surgery.
Breast Implant Rupture and deflation
Breast implants, whilst made to be durable, it is possible for them to rupture or deflate over time. A rupture is a hole or a tear in the implant, which can cause your breast to change in size and shape. Breast implants can also leak, which is difficult to notice, especially with silicone implants.
Ruptures or deflation of breast implants can be caused by:
- Compression during a mammogram
- Normal ageing of the implant
- Physical pressure or trauma
- Capsular contracture
Resolution
If your implant does rupture or deflate, it’s best to catch it early on. Be aware of any changes in your breasts and report them to your surgical team. Ruptured implants generally require surgical removal. Options include:
- Removal with immediate replacement
- Removal without replacement
- Removal with delayed replacement (for extracapsular silicone ruptures)
Breast Surgery at Suffolk Breast Practice
If you have any concerns about breast surgery complications or risks, book a consultation with our specialist Dr Hussein Tuffaha. Our team is fully qualified and has years of experience with a variety of breast surgeries and resolution procedures.
Our leading surgeon has achieved the following accreditations and awards:
- The UK Cosmetic Surgery register
- Awarded the ‘iWantGreatCare’ certificate in 2022/2023
- The Royal College of Surgeons of England
- Association of Breast Surgery
- And TopDoctors
Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on breast surgery risks or to book a consultation. Our expert team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible treatment.

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