Breast Implant Safety

Breast Implant-Associated Risks

FDA-approved breast implants undergo extensive testing to demonstrate reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. The vast majority of people with breast implants experience no serious complications. However, there are risks associated with breast implants, including breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which occurs most frequently in patients with textured breast implants; breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC); and systemic symptoms commonly referred to as breast implant illness (BII) that some patients attribute to their implants. These symptoms can include fatigue, "brain fog," muscle or joint pain and rash.

If any complication develops or the patient desires to have their breast implants removed for any reason, she should consult her plastic surgeon in a timely manner.

Important Considerations

Other important considerations include:

• Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants.
• Breast augmentation requires regular examinations to evaluate the condition of your breast implants and your breast health.
• The FDA recommends that your breast implants be screened, using an MRI or ultrasound, 5 to 6 years after silicone implant placement and every 2 to 3 years thereafter.
• Pregnancy, weight loss and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime.

Breast Examinations and Screenings

Even if you do not have concerns about the condition of your implants, it is important to go for your routine examinations and screenings. Routine screenings can verify that your implant is intact and identify complications such as implant rupture or silicone leakage. Although implant rupture can cause various symptoms, some women with ruptured implants experience no symptoms, which is why routine screenings are critical.