Breast implant safety: what the FDA says and how Dr. Ip follows up
Medically reviewed by Dr. T. Y. Steven Ip, MD, FACS, board certified plastic surgeon Updated
Breast implants are FDA approved and widely used, and like any device they need follow-up. Dr. Ip walks every patient through the FDA's guidance before surgery and keeps seeing you for yearly follow-ups at no charge.
Breast implant safety at a glance
| How long implants last | Not lifetime devices. The FDA says how long they last varies by person and cannot be predicted. |
|---|---|
| Silicone rupture checks | MRI or ultrasound, commonly five to six years after surgery, then every two to three years |
| Saline rupture | The implant deflates and you notice it lose size or shape |
| BIA-ALCL | A rare immune system cancer, more likely with textured implants. The FDA does not recommend removal without symptoms. |
| Breast implant illness | Symptoms are poorly understood; some women report improvement after removal |
| Follow-up with Dr. Ip | All post-op visits and yearly follow-ups are free |
Implants are not lifetime devices
The FDA says breast implants are not lifetime devices: the longer you have them, the more likely you will need them removed or replaced. Many women keep the same implants for many years without problems. If you are free of pain and happy with how you look, there is often no reason to change them, but see your plastic surgeon if anything changes.
The FDA checklist you review before surgery
Since 2021, the FDA has required breast implant labeling to include a boxed warning and a patient decision checklist. You read the checklist, initial each section and sign it, and Dr. Ip signs it with you, so you know the risks before you decide.
Checking silicone implants for rupture
A silicone implant can tear without causing symptoms, which is called a silent rupture. The FDA describes MRI as the most effective way to find one, with ultrasound as an acceptable alternative for women without symptoms. Imaging is commonly suggested five to six years after surgery and every two to three years after that. Dr. Ip tells you which schedule fits your implants.
Capsular contracture, deflation and other risks
The FDA lists these among the complications of breast implants. You may need non-surgical treatment or another surgery for any of them.
Capsular contracture: the scar tissue around an implant tightens, making the breast firm and sometimes painful
Saline deflation: the saltwater leaks out and the implant loses its size or shape
Changes in nipple and breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
An implant that shifts out of position, ripples, or can be seen or felt through the skin
BIA-ALCL
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare cancer of the immune system, not breast cancer, that can form in the scar tissue around an implant. The FDA reports a higher risk with textured implants than with smooth ones, and does not recommend removing implants in women without symptoms. Signs include lasting swelling, a lump or pain near the implant, often years after surgery. Call Dr. Ip if you notice any of these.
Breast implant illness
Some women report symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, memory problems, rashes or brain fog that they connect to their implants. The FDA says these symptoms are poorly understood, and that some women report improvement after removal. If you have concerns, Dr. Ip will talk through your options, including removal.
Your follow-up with Dr. Ip
All post-op visits and yearly follow-ups are free. Bring up any change in shape, firmness, swelling or comfort at any visit.
If your implants need to be replaced or adjusted, see breast implant revision.
Keep planning your breast augmentation
More guides to read before your consultation.
Choosing your surgeon
What to check before you book: board certification, implant experience, accredited surgery centers and photos.
Read the surgeon checklist
Breast augmentation cost
Approximate prices for augmentation, augmentation with a lift and implant revision, and what your fee covers.
See approximate prices
Implant revision
Changing, replacing or correcting existing implants, including implants placed by other surgeons.
Read about revision
Recovery, week by week
What to expect from the recovery room to six weeks, including lifting, your sports bra and compression bands.
See the recovery timelineBreast implant safety questions, answered
The FDA says breast implants are not lifetime devices: the longer you have them, the more likely you will need them removed or replaced. Many women keep the same implants for many years without problems.
No set replacement date applies. The FDA says the life of breast implants varies by person and cannot be predicted. If you are free of pain and happy with how you look, there is often no reason to change them, but see your plastic surgeon if anything changes.
A ruptured saline implant deflates. The FDA says the saltwater leaks out right away or over several days, so you will notice the implant lose its size or shape. Call Dr. Ip if this happens.
Capsular contracture is when the scar tissue around an implant tightens and squeezes it, making the breast firm and sometimes painful. The FDA grades it from I, soft and natural looking, to IV, hard, painful and abnormal looking. Grades III and IV may need another surgery.
The FDA describes MRI as the most effective way to find a silent rupture, with ultrasound as an acceptable alternative for women without symptoms. Imaging is commonly suggested five to six years after surgery and every two to three years after that. Dr. Ip tells you which schedule fits your implants.
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare cancer of the immune system, not breast cancer, that can form in the scar tissue around an implant. The FDA reports a higher risk with textured implants than with smooth ones.
The FDA does not recommend removing implants in women without symptoms. Call Dr. Ip if you notice lasting swelling, a lump or pain near the implant.
Some women report symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, memory problems, rashes or brain fog that they connect to their implants. The FDA says these symptoms are poorly understood, and that some women report improvement after removal.
Talk to Dr. Ip about your implants
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