Common and Less-Common Complications Associated with Breast Implants

Breast augmentation is one of the most common forms of cosmetic surgery in the United States with approximately 300,000 women undergoing the procedure in 2016 [1]. Annually, another 100,000 women with breast cancer will undergo reconstruction using implants as well [1]. Breast implant devices have been carefully studied to determine their safety and numerous changes over many years have helped to improve the durability of these devices. Nonetheless, breast implants are still associated with both short and long-term complications that can be common or infrequent. Patient risk factors will impact the frequency of observed complications and type of device can also influence complications.