How Do I Know If My Breast Implants Have a Problem?

Breast implants have helped many people achieve their desired look and boost their confidence. However, like any medical device, they can sometimes develop problems that may affect your health or appearance. Understanding the potential signs of an issue is important in ensuring your well-being.

In this guide, the expert team at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors will provide clear, practical advice on recognising and addressing possible implant complications, along with useful insights on when to seek professional advice if you've been affected by negligent breast implant surgery.

Common types of breast implant problems

While most breast augmentation surgeries, such as breast implants are generally considered safe, issues can arise over time or as a result of complications during or after surgery. Below are some of the most common problems experienced as a result of breast implant surgery:

• Capsular contracture: the body naturally forms scar tissue around the breast implants, but in some cases, this tissue tightens, causing the breast to feel firm or appear misshapen. This can also result in discomfort or pain in the affected breast.

• Ruptures or leaks: a rupture refers to a tear or hole in the breast implant shell. Saline breast implants will usually deflate visibly when this happens, while silicone ruptures can be harder to detect as the silicone may stay within the implant capsule.

• Implant displacement or rotation: implants can sometimes shift out of position, leading to asymmetry or an unnatural appearance.

• Breast implant illness (BII): some individuals report experiencing systemic symptoms such as fatigue, memory problems and joint pain, which they associate with their breast implants.

How to recognise the signs of a breast implant problem

Breast implants are designed to enhance your appearance and boost confidence, but it’s important to monitor for any signs that could indicate an issue. While some discomfort is expected during recovery, unusual or persistent symptoms could point to a potential complication. Below, we explore the symptoms you should be aware of in more detail.

Physical symptoms

Physical changes in the breast area are often the first indicators that there may be an issue with your breast implants. These symptoms include:

• Pain or tenderness: while mild discomfort can occur post-breast surgery, ongoing or sharp breast pain, particularly in one breast, should not be ignored.

• Swelling: some swelling is natural during the healing process, but swelling that suddenly appears or doesn’t subside over time may suggest a problem such as capsular contracture or infection.

• Changes in shape, size or symmetry: noticeable differences between your breasts, such as drooping, bulging or flattening, could indicate issues like implant rupture or displacement.

• Tightness or firmness: a feeling of tightness, especially if the breast feels abnormally hard, may be a sign of capsular contracture or scar tissue forming around the implant.

Changes in skin and sensations

The skin around your breasts and the sensations you experience can also reveal potential problems:

• Redness, rash, or irritation: these may indicate inflammation or infection, especially if accompanied by heat or tenderness.

• Hardening of breast tissue: if the tissue feels unnaturally firm or rigid, this could be linked to scar tissue development or complications within the implant pocket.

• Unusual sensations: burning, itching or numbness in the breast area may signal nerve irritation, implant leakage or other complications.

Specific signs of implant rupture

Ruptures can affect both saline and silicone breast implants differently, but they often result in noticeable changes:

• Saline implants: a rupture typically causes the breast to deflate quickly, leading to a significant reduction in size or a collapsed appearance. The saline solution is absorbed by the body harmlessly, but the implant will need to be replaced.

• Silicone implants: these ruptures are less obvious because the silicone gel often remains within the implant shell or surrounding tissue. Symptoms may include ongoing discomfort, swelling, or subtle changes in the breast’s contour. Silicone ruptures are sometimes only detectable through imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasound.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical advice promptly. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can also provide guidance if you believe the problem is related to medical negligence, substandard surgical care or defective breast implants.

Why you should not ignore breast implant problems

Choosing to ignore potential issues with your breast implants can lead to escalating complications that may affect both your health and appearance. Recognising problems early and seeking appropriate intervention can reduce the risk of more serious consequences. Below, we explore the risks associated with delaying treatment in greater detail.

Increased pain or discomfort

Complications such as capsular contracture or implant displacement may start with mild symptoms but can worsen over time if untreated:

• Capsular contracture: the tightening of scar tissue around the implant can progressively increase pain and firmness in the breast, potentially leading to significant discomfort in daily activities such as sleeping, exercising or even wearing certain clothing.

• Implant displacement: if an implant moves from its intended position, it can create noticeable asymmetry, making bras or fitted clothing difficult to wear comfortably. Delayed correction may allow the tissue around the implant to stretch further, complicating future procedures.

Addressing these symptoms promptly can minimise discomfort and prevent them from interfering with your quality of life.

More complex surgery

The longer an implant issue goes untreated, the more likely it is that corrective surgery will be complex and invasive:

• Implant rupture: a rupture, particularly of silicone implants, can lead to leakage into the surrounding tissue. Over time, this may cause inflammation, scarring or hardening, which could lead to the need for breast implant removal if left unchecked.

• Infections: Left unaddressed, infections can spread, leading to lumps or systemic complications that may require breast implant revision surgery or prolonged courses of antibiotics.

Early diagnosis and intervention often result in simpler, less invasive solutions. Delaying treatment, on the other hand, can lead to more extensive surgery, a longer recovery period and increased costs.

Potential health concerns

Certain implant-related complications can pose serious health risks if ignored:

• Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: this rare cancer of the immune system has been linked to textured breast implants. While early detection and treatment are highly effective, delayed diagnosis can allow the condition to progress, making treatment more challenging.

• Chronic infections: persistent infections around the implant site can weaken your immune system, increase inflammation, and lead to long-term health issues, including chronic pain or fatigue.

• Silicone migration: in cases of silicone implant rupture, the gel can migrate into surrounding tissues or lymph nodes, potentially requiring extensive removal surgery and posing risks to overall health.

Taking swift action can improve your chances of resolving the issue effectively and safeguarding your health.

Steps to take if you suspect a problem with your breast implants

If you are concerned that your breast implants may be causing issues, taking prompt and informed steps is important to ensure your health and well-being. Here is a detailed guide on what to do if you notice potential problems:

Contact a healthcare professional

Your first step should be to seek medical advice:

• Consult your GP or specialist: your GP can provide an initial assessment and refer you to a specialist plastic surgeon if necessary. If your implants were placed abroad, it’s still advisable to see a UK-based professional for guidance.

• Imaging tests: specialists may recommend diagnostic tests such as an ultrasound or MRI to determine the condition of your implants. These tests are particularly important if you suspect a silent rupture or capsular contracture, as these issues can be difficult to identify through physical symptoms alone.

• Ask questions: don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider questions about what might be causing your symptoms, the recommended next steps, and any treatment options available.

Seeking medical advice early can help clarify whether your symptoms are related to your implants or another health concern, and will provide the foundation for any necessary action.

Document your symptoms

Keeping a record of your symptoms can help ensure you receive the correct diagnosis and treatment:

• Log your symptoms: write down when your symptoms began, how they have developed over time, and whether anything makes them better or worse. For example, if you notice swelling or changes in shape, take note of which breast is affected and whether the issue fluctuates.

• Take photographs: if you notice visible changes such as redness, swelling, or asymmetry, photographs can be helpful for both medical professionals and legal experts reviewing your case.

• Include additional health concerns: note any new or worsening general health symptoms, such as fatigue, joint pain or rashes, which could be linked to breast implant illness (BII).

This documentation can be invaluable for healthcare providers, helping them identify patterns or links to potential complications, and may also serve as evidence if legal action becomes necessary.

Take action promptly

Acting quickly can make a significant difference in addressing implant problems effectively:

• Early diagnosis and intervention can often prevent complications from worsening, resulting in simpler and less invasive treatments.

• Seeking legal advice promptly ensures you stay within the statutory time limits for making a compensation claim, which is typically three years from when you became aware of the issue.

Seek legal advice if negligence is suspected

If you believe your implant problems may have resulted from negligent surgical care, faulty implants or inadequate aftercare, seeking legal advice is a practical next step:

• Understand your rights: problems such as poorly performed surgery, defective implants or insufficient warnings about potential risks can provide grounds for a compensation claim.

• Gather evidence: work with your legal team to compile medical records, surgeon notes and any photographic evidence you’ve collected to support your claim.

Legal advice is not only about compensation it’s also about holding practitioners accountable and ensuring you can access any further treatment or care you may need.

At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we understand how stressful it can be to face complications with breast implants. Our expert team is here to provide empathetic, practical advice, whether you need support in understanding your legal options or guidance on how to make a breast surgery negligence claim. Call us on 0808 273 6083 or request a callback by completing our online enquiry form for a confidential discussion about your circumstances.