The most common complication is leakage or rupture. When this occurs, the implant must be removed or replaced. This surgery lasts from 30 minutes to 1 hour. It may be done on an outpatient basis or require an overnight stay. If the implant was filled with silicone gel, more extensive surgery, lasting at least one hour per implant, may be needed to remove as much silicone as possible from the breast area.
Scar tissue forms on the outside of all artificial implants when placed in the body.
Usually, this does not pose a problem. This may occur more frequently with silicone implants than with saline implants. The scar tissue may cause pain and discomfort and make the implant feel hard to the touch. When this happens, surgery may be necessary to break up or remove the scar tissue. It may also be necessary to remove or replace the implant.