FAQs

Can breast implants cause autoimmune disease?

Researchers have found that silicone breast implants have a rare association with certain autoimmune diseases but whether they cause certain autoimmune diseases is still under much study.

Can breast implants cause cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a rare type of skin infection that can occur after breast surgeries. It affects only about 1 in 20 women who undergo breast surgery, so Dr. Howland can help you learn how to mitigate your risk.

Can breast implants cause pain years later?

Yes - certain complications can occur years after your initial implant surgery. This can include capsular contracture, infection, or implant rupture.

Do breast implants cause health problems?

There are known (and rare) risks that come with breast implants. Dr. Howland can discuss them during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.

Do breast implants sag over time?

Implants are subject to gravity the same as natural breast tissue. The best way to reverse sagging is through a breast lift procedure.

How common is capsular contracture in breast implants?

The risk of capsular contracture can range from 10-30% of women who opt for implant surgery. You can mitigate your risk level by selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon.

How do I prepare for breast implant removal?

You should prepare for breast implant removal the same as your initial implant surgery - avoid taking blood-thinning medications, cease smoking, and follow any pre-op instructions in the days before your surgery date.

How often does breast implant illness occur?

Research about breast implant illness and the causes is ongoing. However, the estimated risk level is between 1 in 2,000 and 1 in 86,000 cases depending on various factors.

How often should breast implants be checked?

The FDA recommends screening silicone implants with MRI scans every 2-3 years after surgery.

Is breast implant illness covered by insurance?

Removal of breast implants because of breast implant illness is not usually covered by insurance providers. Still, we recommend each patient check with their specific insurance providers for details.

Is removal of breast implants dangerous?

The risks of breast implant removal are similar to the initial breast implant surgery. This includes risks with anesthesia, bleeding, and infection.

What breast implants have been recalled?

After the occurrence of breast implant illness following augmentation with specific textured implants and expanders by Allergan, the FDA issued a request for a voluntary recall. If youve had augmentation with textured implants in the past, your board certified plastic surgeon can help you determine if youre at risk.

What does capsular contracture look like?

High-grade capsular contracture can cause visible distortion of the breasts and implants. In many cases, they feel hard and look displaced from their natural position.

What happens if a breast implant pops?

This depends on the type of implant. Saline implants will simply deflate and the saline will be safely absorbed into the body. The silicone gel inside silicone implants will remain inside the breast pocket and may not look or feel noticeably different. In either case, the implants will need to be removed promptly.

What happens if breast implants are not replaced?

In the case of implant rupture, leaving the implants in place can be life-threatening.

Will capsular contracture go away?

High-grade capsular contracture will require surgical removal of the scar tissue around the implant.

Can breast implants last a lifetime?

Breast implants are designed to be life-long medical devices and dont necessarily need replacement if they are structurally sound.

Can saline implants cause autoimmune problems?

There has been no link found between saline implants and autoimmune diseases.

Can you die from breast implants?

Life-threatening risks during and after breast augmentation are extremely rare. Your board-certified plastic surgeon can help you make an informed decision and understand the risks.

Can you get your breast implants removed?

Breast implant removal can be performed for a number of reasons, including complications, new implant technologies, and changes in your cosmetic goals.

How do you know if my implants are leaking?

Ruptured saline implants can be easily noticeable because they will deflate. Ruptured silicone implants can cause pain, firmness, and swelling over the course of a few weeks.

How is BIA ALCL diagnosed?

Diagnosis for breast implant illness can involve medical imaging and sampling of the fluid and tissue around the implants. Your plastic surgeon can help you determine the best first steps.

How long does it take to recover from breast implant illness?

This can be based on many different factors. Recovery from breast implant removal surgery can take about 6 to 8 weeks, however.

How much does it cost to have breast implants removed?

According to statistics gathered by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it costs an average of $3,049 to undergo breast implant removal.

What are the early signs of capsular contracture?

The earliest signs of capsular contracture include firmness, tightness, pain, and asymmetry.

What are the symptoms of breast implant illness?

There are many associated symptoms of breast implant illness, including chronic fatigue, joint and muscle pain, and problems with sleeping, focusing, and breathing. Your plastic surgeon can help you determine your next steps if you think youre experiencing breast implant illness.

What are the symptoms of silicone toxicity?

Typical symptoms of silicone toxicity include fatigue, achiness and joint pain, and other symptoms of an autoimmune response. Speak with your plastic surgeon about your options if you think youre experiencing implant complications.

What breast implants are linked to lymphoma?

Textured implants and expanders manufactured by Allergan have been linked to an extremely rare type of lymphoma. Your plastic surgeon can help you determine if youre at risk.

What is implant bottoming?

Implant bottoming is a complication where the implant is placed too low on the chest and drops below the natural breast crease. This can cause them to appear bottom-heavy, with nipples that appear higher than normal.

What percentage of breast implants rupture?

Some analyses report that between 3% and 10% of implants rupture or deflate within 10 years of insertion.

When should you have breast implants replaced?

Breast implants should be promptly replaced if they rupture or experience capsular contracture. Although the FDA recommends replacing implants every 10 years, most patients undergo breast implant replacement because of cosmetic reasons.