BREAST CONCERN

Existing Breast Implants

Also called: old implants, implant replacement, implant removal, explant, ruptured implant, capsular contracture, rippling, implant rippling, visible implant, implant showing

Existing breast implants can sometimes develop changes in appearance, position, shape, or feel over time. Concerns may include implant rippling, rupture, capsular contracture, displacement, asymmetry, discomfort, or changes in the surrounding breast tissue.

TYPICALLY OCCURS

With ageing implants, scar tissue changes, rupture, displacement, or changes in breast tissue.

TREATED BY

Implant revision, implant replacement or removal, capsulectomy, and more.

ALSO LINKED TO

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Why it happens?

Breast implant concerns can develop for several reasons and may occur soon after surgery or many years later. Implants and the surrounding breast tissues naturally experience changes over time due to ageing, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, changes in skin elasticity, and the long-term effects of gravity. Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, so the likelihood of needing further assessment or surgery generally increases over time.

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around an implant tightens or hardens, potentially changing the shape or feel of the breast and sometimes causing discomfort. Implant rippling may become visible or noticeable when folds or wrinkles in the implant can be felt through the skin, particularly when there is limited soft-tissue coverage.

Implants can also rupture, shift position, rotate, or become displaced, leading to changes in breast shape, symmetry, or firmness. Some implant ruptures, particularly silicone implant ruptures, may not cause obvious symptoms and can require imaging to detect. Any new pain, swelling, hardening, change in breast shape, or suspected implant problem should be medically assessed to determine the underlying cause and whether monitoring, revision, replacement, or removal is appropriate.

How far along is it?

Early

Subtle changes in implant feel, position, symmetry, or appearance may develop, including mild rippling or firmness, without significant discomfort.

Moderate

Changes become more noticeable, with increased firmness, visible rippling, asymmetry, implant displacement, or changes in breast shape that may cause discomfort.

Advanced

More significant implant-related concerns may include pronounced capsular contracture, suspected rupture, marked displacement, persistent pain, swelling, or substantial changes in breast shape, requiring specialist assessment.

What addresses it?

Treatments that address this

Breast implant replacement→Breast implant removal→

It is worth seeking professional advice when breast implants develop new or noticeable changes in shape, position, firmness, symmetry, or feel, or if you experience persistent pain or swelling. Suspected rupture, significant hardening, sudden swelling, or other unusual breast changes should be medically assessed promptly to identify the cause and determine whether revision, replacement, or removal may be appropriate.

Quick Questions:

How do I know if there is a problem with my breast implants?

Changes such as new pain, firmness, swelling, asymmetry, rippling, or changes in breast shape or implant position may indicate an implant-related concern and should be professionally assessed.

What are the signs of a ruptured breast implant?

A saline implant rupture usually causes noticeable loss of breast volume. Silicone implant rupture may cause changes in shape, firmness, pain, swelling, or sometimes no obvious symptoms, which is why imaging may be needed.

What is capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around a breast implant becomes unusually tight or firm. This can make the breast feel hard, change its shape, or cause discomfort.

Do breast implants need to be replaced after 10 years?

Not automatically. Breast implants are not lifetime devices, but there is no universal requirement to replace them at exactly 10 years. Replacement or removal depends on implant condition, symptoms, individual circumstances, and specialist assessment.