Contents
If you have had breast implants, you’re probably wondering what the signs of breast implant problems are. You may have heard about capsular rupture and capsular contraction, but what about a possible complication such as seroma? Here are some signs you should look out for to ensure you’re getting the best possible treatment. You should also be aware of the possibility of Anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
Seroma
A seroma, which is the fluid that collects around a breast implant, can be a warning sign of possible breast implant problems. While seromas are usually harmless, they can lead to complications, including an infection, seroma calcification, and sepsis. In small cases, patients may not require any treatment, as the seroma will eventually disappear on its own. In more severe cases, drainage of the seroma can be performed with a fine-needle aspiration. Occasionally, drainage tubes are placed in the drainage area.
Although late seromas after breast augmentation are uncommon, they should not be ignored. Symptoms of late seroma may include an undetermined cause and may be treated with surgical implant removal or replacement. In a study by Pinchuk et al.6,3,4, a case of late seromas after breast augmentation was reported. The authors evaluated three cases for seroma formation, including indication for placement and implant type. One patient had sterile pus at the site of the seroma, and the remaining two patients underwent bilateral implant placement.
Capsular contraction
Regardless of your age or overall health, you should seek medical advice if you have capsular contracture. A capsule is a protective layer around a foreign object, such as a breast implant. This layer resembles scar tissue and may thicken and contract to cause a condition known as capsular contraction. Several factors can cause capsular contraction, including infection and inflammation. Nevertheless, some causes are more obvious than others.
Capsular contracture is a common sign of a problem with a breast implant, but there are treatment options. While the best course of treatment depends on the extent of the contracture and your personal preference, you can try various nonsurgical measures to minimize the chances of recurring problems. While capsular contracture is disconcerting and uncomfortable, it can be treated and prevented if caught early enough.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma
The FDA recently convened an advisory committee to examine the safety of breast implants. This committee focuses on breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare T-cell lymphoma that may develop years after a textured breast implant is inserted. Patients who develop BIA-ALCL may show some or all of the symptoms listed below. The FDA is currently reviewing and updating guidance on breast implant safety, including recommendations for counseling and information about manufacturer-specific risks.
In an ongoing study, researchers identified 32 women with primary breast-ALCL who had undergone ipsilateral augmentation. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma associated with breast implants was associated with a relative risk of 421.8 per million women. Among women with breast implants, the cumulative risk of developing the disease was 82 per million at age 70. These results are concerning because they highlight the need for greater clinical awareness and stimulation of alternatives to breast augmentation.
Capsular rupture
The appearance of wavy lines in the fibrous capsule surrounding the implant is a symptom of intracapsular rupture. These wavy lines are often referred to as the ‘linguine’ sign. Other symptoms of intracapsular rupture include silicone on both sides of the radial folds of the implant. Both signs suggest an intracapsular rupture. Capsular rupture may also be a sign of implant problems.
It is a complication of breast implant surgery that may require a reoperation. The breast tissue will contract around the implant. This will make it uncomfortable and painful. It may also be the result of capsular rupture. The longer the implants are placed, the higher the risk for capsular rupture. However, breast implants are not supposed to last forever. Therefore, the likelihood of reoperation increases.
Capsular contracture symptoms
The signs and symptoms of capsular contracture are usually not dangerous. In fact, most women who undergo breast implant surgery will not experience capsular contracture. In rare cases, the condition may be prevented. Depending on the type of breast implant used, the risk of capsular contracture may be reduced. The risk is higher for saline implants than for cohesive gel implants, but there are ways to decrease the chances of this complication. For instance, implants placed under the pectoral muscle may be less prone to capsular contracture than those placed under the breast muscle. This is because the pectoral muscle is responsible for massaging the implants and keeping the scar tissue soft.
Another cause of capsular contracture is biofilm. This is a thin layer of bacteria that forms around the breast implant after a breast implant surgery. It is often the result of infection. If the breast implant becomes infected, the resulting scar tissue can restrict its movement. Symptoms of capsular contracture vary according to the cause, and the condition can be genetic or pre-existing. Women with a family history of autoimmune diseases and thick scar tissue are also at greater risk. Sometimes, it just happens on accident.