If you're a woman and you want to boost your self confidence and self esteem, a breast augmentation procedure can accomplish the task. Plenty of women already know and understand the positive results associated with increased breast size. In fact, breast augmentation surgery is now the number one performed plastic surgery in the world! But the procedure does not come without risk. This article will discuss some of those risks.

When you have breast augmentation surgery, you must realize it is surgery and along with any kind of surgery comes the potential for risks. Anesthesia presents its own unique set of risks, ranging from allergy to circulation problems or even nervous system problems. It really depends upon your age and your specific health, and of course the individual skill of your anesthesiologist. Before you undergo surgery, speak with your surgeon about the risks involved with anesthesia. I'm sure he or she will be happy to discuss and alleviate your concerns.

An uncommon risk for breast augmentation is capsular contracture. When this happens, a woman's body will form scar tissue or capsules of collagen fiber around the implant. This layer will make the implant look and feel unnatural. Over time, the capsules will squeeze the implant, hence the word contracture. Severe cases can cause extreme pain to the woman. Removal of the implant is sometimes the only solution to capsular contracture.

Implant displacement is another risk. When your implants are placed in position during surgery, there is always a slight chance that they can move or shift position before the surgery is over. Or sometimes another surgical procedure that is completely unrelated can cause an implant to shift from its position. Trauma to the chest can also cause displacement. Needless to say, an implant that has shifted position is an unsightly scenario for the woman and she will want to contact her surgeon immediately to discuss corrective surgery.

Implant rupture occurs when an implant develops a leak. When a saline implant ruptures, the implant typically deflates in quick fashion - usually within 24 to 48 hours. This makes it easy for the woman to detect and then contact her surgeon. A ruptured silicone gel implant, on the other hand, is very difficult to detect, even for your surgeon. The FDA recommends that all women with breast implants have a bi-annual MRI to assist in early detection of a ruptured implant.

Rippling is another risk, although it is becoming more and more uncommon. When an implant ripples, the shell folds much like a curtain would when you draw it shut. This creates a very unsightly surface area on the breast. It is believed that silicone implants are less susceptible to rippling than saline implants. Surgeon's will usually overfill a saline implant to thwart the possibility of implant rippling.

Last but certainly not least, infection is an extremely dangerous possibility from having any kind of surgery. Infections can lead to severe complications, even death. After your surgery is over and you are recovering, your surgeon will provide antibiotics. Be sure to take them as prescribed! They are very important for your overall health and safety.

If you want to learn more about the risks involved with breast augmentation surgery, you need to contact a licensed, board certified surgeon who specializes in the procedure. Only a surgeon can provide you with up to date, current information. That being said, it is not the intention of this article to provide medical advice. Only a licensed, practicing physician should provide counsel to your health-related questions.