When a breast implant is placed, scar tissue forms around it to create a capsule. This scar tissue can begin to tighten around the implant and become firm, called capsular contracture. It can cause pain and distortion of the breast, or make the breast rise higher on the chest.

Regular breast screening and review as per your Specialist Plastic Surgeon’s advice is vital for prevention and early identification and management of any possible problems.

There is a risk of rupture of every breast implant, which increases as the prosthesis ages.

For saline implants, if the implant leaks, the contents will be reabsorbed into the body. If this occurs most women notice a reduction in breast size.

For silicone implants, the gel may remain within the implant shell (intracapsular rupture) or leak into the surrounding area (extracapsular rupture). Some women may experience breast pain or develop lumps surround the implant or change in breast size or shape. In many cases, however, there are no signs or symptoms, and breast imaging is required for a diagnosis. 

Regular breast screening and review as per your Specialist Plastic Surgeon’s advice is vital for prevention and early identification and management of any possible problems.

If you are wanting to retain a significant breast volume increase, an implant is usually required. However, fat grafting techniques are becoming more reliable and predictable and can be a suitable alternative to implants for small volume augmentations or specific volume asymmetries that may exist.

Dr Peters can assess the possibility of fat grafting within the context of your anatomy and desired result during your initial consultation if this is an option you are interested in.