Occasionally, it is necessary to surgically remove and examine a small amount of tissue to see whether or not it is cancer. This can frequently be done without removing the implant. . Women should understand there is a fairly high chance they will need to have additional surgery at some point to replace or remove the implant when and if it wears out. Also, problems such as deflation, capsular contracture, infection, shifting, and calcium deposits can require removal of the implants. Discuss the risk of these additional surgeries with your physician, Many women decide to have the implants replaced, but some women do not. .
Infection can occur with any surgery.
The frequency of infection with implant surgery is not known, but a prospective patient should ask her surgeon what his or her experience has been. Most infections resulting from surgery appear within a few days to weeks after the operation. However, infection is possible at any time after surgery. If an infection does not respond to antibiotics, the implant may have to be removed. After the infection is treated a new breast implant can usually be put in. .