Side effects of breast implants can range in seriousness from minor irritation to death, although the more severe side effects of breast implants are also proportionately more rare. Individuals who are considering surgical breast augmentation should understand the side effects of breast implants prior to committing to surgery.

Patients with either saline or silicone are at risk for side effects of breast implants, although due to an enormous amount of media coverage regarding silicone implants, many people only associate side effects of breast implants with the silicone models. According to various researchers and doctors, the potential side effects of breast implants associated with silicone include links to breast and lung cancer and autoimmune diseases. Other side effects of breast implants relate directly to the actual surgery, including possible infection, hematoma, or severe drug interactions. Additionally, side effects of breast implants can include aesthetic issues leading to dissatisfaction with the breast augmentation; a few such side effects of breast implants include wrinkling, scarring, asymmetry, and shifting of the implant. The doctor should discuss the possible side effects of breast implants with the patient during consultation, making sure that each patient understands the potential risk of side effects of breast implants. There are certain factors (such as smoking) that may place patients at increased risk for side effects of breast implants, and the patient's medical history should be reviewed to check for these factors. If any side effects of breast implants appear following surgery, the patient should immediately consult a physician, as many
of the side effects of breast implants can be combated if treated early enough