Breast Augmentation: What You Need to Know About Risks, Implants, and Your Journey to Confidence

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed worldwide, offering patients a chance to enhance their body image and achieve the appearance they’ve always desired. However, as with any surgery, it’s essential to fully understand both the benefits and the potential risks associated with the procedure. This guide explores common concerns, helps you navigate your options, and emphasizes the importance of making an informed decision.

Is Breast Augmentation Safe?

Breast augmentation surgery is generally considered safe when performed by experienced, board-certified surgeons. However, no surgical procedure is without risk. Potential complications, though rare, should be understood before undergoing surgery.

At Yujin Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Tae-jo Kang and his team specialize in breast augmentation with over 15 years of experience. Their commitment to patient safety and use of advanced technology ensure that every step of the process, from consultation to recovery, is focused on your health and well-being. Whether you're considering silicone or saline implants, the Yujin team provides clear, personalized advice, ensuring you are well-prepared for what lies ahead.

Understanding Breast Implants: Silicone vs. Saline

When choosing a breast implant, the two most common options are silicone and saline implants. Both types are FDA-approved and come with distinct benefits and risks.

Silicone Implants are filled with a cohesive gel that mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. These implants tend to offer a softer, more realistic appearance and feel. However, one potential risk with silicone implants is "silent rupture," where the implant leaks without noticeable symptoms, which can only be detected through imaging.

Saline Implants are filled with sterile salt water and tend to be firmer than silicone. In the event of rupture, saline implants deflate rapidly, making it easy to detect the issue. However, they may show more noticeable rippling beneath the skin.

Each implant type carries its own set of complications, including capsular contracture (scar tissue formation) and changes in shape or firmness. Dr. Kang and his team at Yujin Plastic Surgery take a personalized approach to selecting the right implant for you, factoring in your body type, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.

Common Risks and Complications

While breast augmentation is usually successful, it's important to consider the potential risks involved. These include:

• Infection: Although rare, infections can occur post-surgery and may require implant removal if not treated promptly.

• Hematoma and Bleeding: These are potential risks related to any surgery, but careful surgical techniques can minimize them.

• Capsular Contracture: This occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to feel firm or misshapen.

• Asymmetry: Occasionally, the implants may not match in shape or size, requiring revision surgery.

At Yujin Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kang’s expertise and commitment to sterile practices minimize these risks, with careful post-operative monitoring and personalized care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Preventing and Managing Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is one of the most discussed risks of breast augmentation. It happens when the body forms a thick capsule around the implant, which can cause discomfort or visible changes in shape. While it’s not fully understood, it’s believed that factors such as inflammation or bacterial contamination could contribute.

The good news is that careful surgical techniques can minimize this risk. At Yujin Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kang employs a meticulous approach to implant placement, along with sterile surgical techniques and high-quality implants. In some cases, fat grafting can be used to reduce pressure around the implant and provide a more natural result.

Implant Rupture and Leakage: What You Need to Know

While rare, implant rupture is a serious complication. With saline implants, leaks are immediately noticeable as the breast deflates. In contrast, silicone implants may experience a "silent rupture," meaning the leak could go undetected for years. Regular imaging such as MRI or ultrasound can help detect silent ruptures early.

If an implant ruptures, it will need to be replaced. While this is not life-threatening, it can affect the appearance and shape of the breast, necessitating revision surgery.

At Yujin Plastic Surgery, patients receive thorough post-surgical follow-up care, including regular check-ups to monitor implant integrity and ensure that any issues are detected and addressed promptly.

Breast Implant Illness (BII): Addressing Patient Concerns

Some patients have reported a set of symptoms known as Breast Implant Illness (BII), which may include fatigue, joint pain, or brain fog. Although the medical community is still researching the connection between implants and systemic symptoms, many surgeons are taking patient concerns seriously.

At Yujin Plastic Surgery, patient well-being is a top priority. Dr. Kang and his team provide compassionate care and transparent information to help patients understand their options, including safe explant procedures for those who wish to remove their implants.

Anesthesia and Other Surgical Risks

Like any surgery, breast augmentation requires general anesthesia, which carries some risk. Potential complications include allergic reactions, respiratory issues, or blood pressure fluctuations. While these are rare, they are carefully managed at Yujin Plastic Surgery, where board-certified anesthesiologists monitor patients throughout the procedure.

Dr. Kang ensures that anesthesia protocols are tailored to each patient's health profile, further enhancing the safety of the procedure.

Scarring, Asymmetry, and the Need for Revision Surgery

Scarring is a natural part of the healing process, though skilled surgeons like Dr. Kang can minimize its appearance through careful incision placement and advanced suturing techniques. In rare cases, excessive scar tissue can cause discomfort or changes in breast symmetry, which may require revision surgery.

Dr. Kang specializes in both primary and revision breast surgeries, offering solutions for patients who wish to address asymmetry or other concerns after their initial procedure.

Post-Operative Care and Infection Prevention

Post-operative infections, though uncommon, are one of the most serious risks after breast augmentation surgery. Symptoms such as redness, swelling, or fever should be addressed immediately. At Yujin Plastic Surgery, strict sterilization protocols and comprehensive aftercare minimize this risk.

Patients are provided with clear instructions on wound care and activity restrictions, and Dr. Kang carefully monitors recovery to catch any potential issues early.

Long-Term Monitoring and Health Considerations

While breast implants are not lifetime devices, proper monitoring can extend their longevity. Regular imaging (e.g., MRI or ultrasound) is recommended, particularly for silicone implants. Other long-term health concerns, such as autoimmune responses or chronic inflammation, are rare but taken seriously by Yujin Plastic Surgery.

Ongoing follow-up care ensures that patients are supported throughout their journey, from initial surgery to long-term health maintenance.

Global Trends and the Safety of Breast Implants

As breast augmentation procedures continue to grow in popularity, especially in countries like the U.S., Canada, and South Korea, greater awareness of the associated risks is shaping patient decisions. Yujin Plastic Surgery integrates international safety standards with cutting-edge technology, offering patients peace of mind through FDA-approved implants, digital imaging, and multilingual support.

By offering transparency and education, Yujin helps international patients feel confident in their decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery.

How Yujin Plastic Surgery Prioritizes Patient Safety

At Yujin Plastic Surgery, patient safety is the top priority. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Tae-jo Kang has developed strict protocols to reduce surgical risks, from pre-operative evaluations to post-operative follow-up care. The clinic uses advanced technology such as the HarvestJet system for fat grafting and takes every precaution to ensure a safe and successful outcome.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation is a deeply personal choice that can improve both your appearance and your confidence. By fully understanding the risks and potential complications—including capsular contracture, implant rupture, and infection—you can make an informed decision.

Choosing an experienced, qualified surgeon like Dr. Tae-jo Kang at Yujin Plastic Surgery is essential to achieving safe and beautiful results. The clinic's patient-centered approach ensures that every patient receives the best care, both during surgery and throughout recovery.

If you’re considering breast augmentation, schedule a consultation today to learn how Yujin Plastic Surgery can help you achieve your aesthetic goals safely and effectively.