Complications of Breast Surgery: What Can Go Wrong and What to Watch For

Breast surgery can deliver results that improve confidence and comfort — but it is still surgery, and surgery comes with risks. Some issues are minor and temporary, while others can become long-term problems that affect your health, appearance, or require additional corrective procedures.

This guide explains the most common complications of breast surgery, the symptoms that matter, and what you should do if something doesn’t feel right after a cosmetic breast procedure (such as augmentation, uplift, reduction, implant replacement or implant removal).

Early complications usually happen during the initial healing period. They can often be treated successfully — but only if you act quickly and keep a record of symptoms.

Some bruising and mild bleeding can be normal after surgery. However, a haematoma happens when blood collects around the surgical area. It may cause:

• rapid swelling
• tightness or pressure
• significant bruising
• increasing pain

Small haematomas may settle over time. Larger ones sometimes need drainage or another procedure to prevent infection and improve healing

Don’t wait it out if swelling is incr.easing quickly — that’s how complications spiral.

Infection is a risk after any operation. Common signs include:

• redness and warmth around the wound
• swelling that worsens rather than improves
• discharge (especially if it smells unpleasant)
• fever, chills, or feeling unwell
• pain that escalates instead of settling

Many infections respond to antibiotics when treated early. If ignored, infection can become severe — and in implant cases, a serious infection may require implant removal before the area can heal properly.

A seroma is a build-up of clear fluid near the surgical site. It can feel like a soft swelling and may cause discomfort. Seromas can:

• increase infection risk
• delay healing
• affect cosmetic outcome if persistent

Some seromas resolve on their own. Others need aspiration (fluid removal with a needle), and occasionally repeated aspiration.

Pain is expected early on, but the pattern matters. Alongside normal post-operative soreness, some patients notice:

• numbness in the breast or nipple area
• tingling or shooting pains
• sensitivity changes (either reduced or increased sensation)

These symptoms may improve over weeks or months as nerves recover. Persistent or worsening nerve pain should be assessed rather than brushed off.

Many long-term complications result in revision procedures, which may form part of a breast surgery compensation claim if the original treatment fell below an acceptable standard.

One of the best-known breast implant complications is capsular contracture. It occurs when scar tissue around the implant tightens, which can make the breast:

• feel unusually firm or hard
• look distorted or misshapen
• become painful

Capsular contracture can develop months or even years after surgery. In some cases, revision surgery is needed to release or remove the capsule and replace the implant.

Implants are durable, but they are not lifetime devices. Over time, implants can:

• rupture (tear in the shell)
• deflate (more obvious with saline implants)
• leak in a way that is not immediately noticeable (silent rupture is discussed particularly with silicone)

Rupture or deflation may cause changes in size, shape, symmetry, or new discomfort. Where rupture is suspected, medical assessment is essential.

Not every adverse outcome is a “medical emergency”, but it can still be life-changing for the patient. You may notice:

• asymmetry or uneven breast position
• rippling or visibility through the skin
• implant sitting too high/low or too far to one side
• an outcome that doesn’t match what you were promised

When the result is poor or worsens over time, patients often need corrective surgery — and that can involve extra cost, scarring and emotional distress.

In some cases, the blood supply to skin or underlying tissue can be compromised, leading to tissue necrosis (tissue death). This may appear as:

• blackened or scabbed areas
• breakdown of the wound
• delayed healing and infection risk

Fat necrosis can also occur, sometimes forming firm lumps or cyst-like areas. These may improve, but should always be clinically assessed to rule out other causes.

Some patients experience ongoing tightness, discomfort, or reduced mobility (especially around the chest, shoulder, and armpit region). Physiotherapy and appropriate aftercare exercises can make a major difference — but lack of guidance or follow-up can leave patients with avoidable long-term limitations.

Some risks are rare, but the consequences can be serious — which is why informed consent and clear follow-up guidance matter.

There are rare cancers reported in association with breast implants, including breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This is not the same as breast cancer. Symptoms that should always be checked include:

• persistent swelling around an implant
• a new lump
• ongoing pain or noticeable change in the breast

Some patients report systemic symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, or rashes. Causes are still debated and researched. The important point: if you are experiencing symptoms you believe are linked to implants, you should seek medical assessment and ensure symptoms are documented.

Do not delay seeking urgent help if you have:

• rapidly increasing swelling, severe tightness, or sudden bruising
• fever, spreading redness, discharge, or escalating pain
• shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing blood (possible blood clot emergency)

If you feel something is seriously wrong, go to A&E or call emergency services.

Not every complication means negligence — some risks exist even with good care. However, red flags include:

• being dismissed despite clear infection symptoms
• inadequate aftercare instructions or no follow-up plan
• symptoms worsening while the clinic delays assessment
• pressure to accept a poor outcome as “normal”
• corrective surgery required unusually soon after the procedure

1. Document everything: dates, symptoms, photos, messages, receipts
2. Get medical assessment (NHS or independent specialist) and request written notes
3. Request your records from the clinic (consultation notes, consent forms, operative notes)
4. Do not sign waivers or settlement agreements without advice

If you’ve suffered avoidable harm, prolonged pain, infection, disfigurement, or required corrective surgery following cosmetic breast surgery, Cosmetic Claims can help you understand whether you may have a case.

If you’re unsure what the process involves, our how the claims process works guide explains each step clearly, from your initial assessment to resolution.