Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Specialist Medical Centre #10-26

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Mon - Fri, 10am - 6pm

Mon - Fri, 10am - 6pm

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Breast Implant-Related Complications

Breast implants can provide aesthetic and reconstructive benefits, but they are not without potential complications. Recognising these issues can help you make informed decisions and determine when to seek medical attention.

Structural Complications

Capsular Contracture: Scar tissue around implants may tighten, causing hardness, pain, and changes in breast shape. It often requires a capsulectomy (removal of scar tissue surrounding the implant) to alleviate symptoms and restore a natural look.

Implant Displacement: Implants can shift from their original position, leading to asymmetry or discomfort. Displacement may occur due to physical trauma, surgical error, or gradual changes in the surrounding tissue. Repositioning surgery may be required to correct the issue.

Rippling or Wrinkling: Insufficient tissue coverage or overfilled implants can cause visible rippling or wrinkling of the implant, particularly in thin patients. Fat grafting or implant replacement can help smooth out these irregularities.

Health-Related Complications

Breast Implant Illness (BII): Some patients report systemic symptoms they associate with their implants, such as fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and skin rashes. Although BII is not formally recognised as a medical diagnosis, many women find relief from symptoms after implant removal and capsulectomy.

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): This rare cancer is associated with textured breast implants. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and fluid build-up around the implant. In the early stages, treatment typically involves the removal of the implant and surrounding scar tissue. In later stages, additional treatments such as chemotherapy may be required.

Infection: Infections can develop shortly after surgery or even years later, leading to symptoms such as redness, swelling, and fever. In some rare cases, chronic infections may be associated with conditions like squamous cell carcinoma within the capsule. Mild infections can often be treated with antibiotics, but severe infections may require implant removal and drainage.

Aesthetic Issues

Double Bubble Deformity: This occurs when the implant drops below the natural fold of the breast, creating a double line or bulge. It can be caused by capsular contracture, improper implant placement, or changes in breast tissue. Corrective surgery may be needed to correct the position.

Bottoming Out: This happens when the implant drops too low on the chest, causing the nipple to appear higher than usual. It can result from weak tissue support, large implant size, or poor initial positioning. Surgical intervention may be necessary to lift and secure the implant.

Breast Asymmetry: Implants can cause uneven breast appearance due to improper placement or natural changes over time. Repositioning or additional procedures may be needed to correct asymmetry.

Waterfall Phenomenon: The waterfall phenomenon occurs when the natural breast tissue droops below the implant, giving the appearance of sagging despite the implant’s position remaining intact. This often happens due to a loss of skin elasticity or improper implant placement.

Animation Deformity: This refers to the visible movement or distortion of the breast implant during muscle contraction, typically seen in implants placed under the chest muscle. It can cause discomfort and an unnatural appearance when flexing the chest muscles.

If you are thinking of removing your breast implants, Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

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Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital #10-26
38 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329563

Mon – Fri: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Weekends & PH: Closed

Contact Us Today

Thinking about breast implant removal? Dr Marco is here to guide you through every step of your journey.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, give us a call at 64648075 or complete the form below.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Regular check-ups, imaging tests (like MRIs), and monitoring for symptoms can help detect issues early. Selecting a qualified surgeon and following post-operative care instructions are also necessary for reducing risks.

    Yes, removing textured implants can lower the risk of BIA-ALCL, a rare lymphoma associated with breast implants. If you have textured implants, especially those showing symptoms like swelling or pain, removal may be advised.

    Many women who report symptoms of breast implant illness (BII), such as fatigue, joint pain, or rashes, notice an improvement after implant removal and capsulectomy. While there is still ongoing research into BII, removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue can help alleviate symptoms for some patients.

    Yes, some patients opt for implant removal as a preventative measure, especially if they have textured implants or older implants that may pose risks of rupture or capsular contracture over time.

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