Breast Augmentation Risks
Plastic Surgery and Medspa Practice Serving Maryland, Washington DC & Virginia

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with breast augmentation surgery; however, none of the potential breast augmentation complications impair overall breast health, and there are no proven links between breast implants and any form of systemic disease. Although complications following breast augmentation are generally uncommon, it is important to select a surgeon with whom you feel completely comfortable. At Cosmetic Surgery Associates, located in Bethesda, MD, Dr. Franklin Richards, M.D., and Dr. Dean Jabs, M.D., value your well-being as their number one priority and will take every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during and after your breast augmentation procedure. The skillful team members at Cosmetic Surgery Associates take pride in creating a warm, welcoming environment for their patients and in communicating with patients before and after their breast augmentation surgery.

Potential Complications

• Capsular Contracture
• Persistent breast pain
• Infection
• Changes in nipple and breast sensation (loss of nipple/areola sensation occurs in less than 5% of breast augmentation patients)
• Implant leakage or rupture
• Unfavorable scarring
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Poor healing of incisions
• Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
• Anesthesia risks
• Blood clots
• Deep vein thrombosis

Capsular Contracture

The most frequent complication with breast augmentation surgery is capsular contracture, which refers to the tightening of scar tissue around the breast implant (forming a pocket or “capsule”), causing hardening of the implant and distortion of the breast shape. Should capsular contraction occur, it usually takes a second surgery to remove the scar tissue and correct the problem. The risk of capsular contracture can be diminished by positioning high-profile breast implants beneath the muscle rather than on top of it.

Saline Implant Rupture

Should a saline implant rupture, you will notice it immediately, as the implant deflates and the breast loses some of its volume and shape. Your body will naturally absorb the saline solution without posing any health risks; however, you will need surgery to remove the silicone shell of the implant and to insert a new implant if you wish (the shell removal and new implant insertion can be performed during the same operation).

Silicone Implant Rupture

If a silicone breast implant ruptures, you might not realize it at first, because any free silicone will remain trapped in the fibrous tissue surrounding the implant. Although leaking silicone gel is not believed to result in long-term health issues, it can lead to changes in the shape of the breast and can cause unpleasant breast pain, so it is still important to see your surgeon as soon as you realize your implant is leaking. Your doctor will generally remove the leaking implant and insert a new one (both procedures can be performed during the same operation).

Experts at Patient Care

Top-Rated Doctors

Keshav Magge, MD, FACS

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Honored as a Top Doctor by Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian in both 2024 and 2025, Dr. Magge is recognized for his exceptional surgical skill, artistic precision, and patient-centered approach. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, he completed a fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he gained advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery innovations.

Meet Dr. Magge

A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Jabs is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon recognized nationally for his expertise in creating natural-looking results and his warm, compassionate approach to patient care. Trained in NY at Columbia University, he served in the US Army and has special expertise in facial rejuvenation. He has over 35 years of experience and has consistently been voted a top plastic surgeon by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazine.

 

Meet Dr. Jabs

Franklin D. Richards, MD, FACS

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Richards has been recognized as a Top Doctor by several prestigious organizations, including Castle Connolly, Consumers’ Research Council of America, and Washingtonian magazine. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Richards is the past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital. His expertise is in achieving natural results in facelift and eyelid surgery, with additional interests in cosmetic surgery of the breast and abdomen.

Meet Dr. Richards