Understanding breast augmentation surgery

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size of the breasts or alter their shape using implants. The operation is usually carried out by a plastic surgeon and involves placing implants either beneath the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. The exact surgical approach will depend on several factors, including the patient’s body shape, the type of implant used and the outcome discussed during consultation.

In the UK, breast implants generally fall into two main categories: silicone breast implants and saline-filled breast implants. Silicone implants contain a cohesive silicone gel designed to feel similar to natural breast tissue. Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater once they are placed in the breast. Both types of implants have an outer silicone shell and are manufactured in a range of sizes and shapes to suit different surgical plans.

People may choose to undergo breast augmentation for cosmetic reasons, such as increasing breast size, improving symmetry or restoring volume that has changed following pregnancy, weight loss or ageing. In other cases, the procedure may form part of breast reconstruction following a mastectomy due to breast cancer or other medical treatment. In these situations, implants may be used to restore the breast’s shape as part of the recovery process.

Before proceeding with surgery, a surgeon has a duty to explain the potential risks, realistic outcomes and the recovery process. They should also assess the patient’s suitability for the procedure and discuss any alternative options available. This allows patients to fully understand what the surgery involves and make an informed decision about their treatment.

What side effects can breast implants cause?

After breast implant surgery, it is common to experience swelling, bruising and discomfort while the breasts heal. These effects are expected in the early stages of recovery and should gradually improve as the body adjusts to the implants.

There is also a risk of infection after breast augmentation. Infection is a recognised complication of surgery and can occur during the healing process. Because of this, your surgeon should monitor your recovery during follow-up appointments and check for any signs of infection. They should also explain how to care for your surgical wounds at home and what symptoms to look out for.

Signs of infection may include:

• Redness around the incision site: this may spread or become more noticeable as the infection develops.
• Swelling or warmth around the breast: this can indicate inflammation in the surrounding tissue.
• Discharge or fluid from the wound: particularly if it appears thick, yellow or has an unpleasant smell.
• Pain that worsens instead of improving: ongoing or increasing discomfort can suggest a developing infection.
• Fever or feeling unwell: this may indicate the body is responding to an infection.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention so the infection can be assessed and treated appropriately.

You may also notice changes in the shape, size or firmness of the breasts as recovery progresses. In some cases, a sudden or unexpected change may indicate a breast implant rupture, which should be assessed by a medical professional.

What are common breast implant rupture side effects?

In addition to changes in the shape, size or firmness of the breast mentioned above, other side effects can develop if a breast implant ruptures. The symptoms can vary depending on whether the implant is silicone or saline, but both types can affect how the breast looks and feels and should be assessed by a medical professional.

Other possible side effects of ruptured breast implants include:

• Swelling around the breast: fluid may build up around the implant or surrounding tissue, causing the breast to appear swollen or feel tight. This can occur with both silicone and saline implants.
• Breast tenderness or discomfort: ongoing soreness or breast pain may develop if the surrounding tissue reacts to a damaged implant.
• Changes in breast position: one breast may sit higher or lower than the other, or appear uneven compared with the opposite side.
• Increased firmness or tightness: scar tissue may form around a silicone implant rupture, causing the breast to feel unusually firm. This can also be linked to capsular contracture.
• Visible breast distortion: a silicone implant rupture may lead to subtle changes in breast shape if the gel remains within the surrounding tissue capsule.
• Deflation of the breast: saline implant ruptures are usually more noticeable because the sterile saltwater leaks out and the breast may lose volume or appear deflated over a short period of time.
• Inflammation in surrounding tissue: the body may react to a damaged implant, which can lead to redness, irritation or swelling in the surrounding area.

If you experience any of these symptoms after breast augmentation surgery, it is advisable to seek medical assessment so the cause can be identified and appropriate treatment can be arranged.

Common complications and risks of breast implant surgery

While some complications are recognised risks of surgery, certain outcomes may suggest that a surgeon has not met the expected standards of care during the planning, performance or aftercare of the procedure. These may include:

• Inappropriate or unexpected scarring: scarring in locations or of a size that was not explained prior to surgery. Some scarring is expected after breast augmentation, but it should be consistent with what was discussed during consultation.
• Infection caused by poor aftercare: infection itself is a known surgical risk. However, negligence may arise if a surgeon fails to provide proper aftercare advice, does not identify infection during follow-up appointments or does not act appropriately once infection is recognised.
• Symmastia: occurs when implants cross the midline of the chest, causing the breasts to appear joined together.
• Persistent droopiness: excessive drooping following surgery may suggest the wrong procedure was carried out or the surgical plan was inappropriate.
• Double bubble deformity: occurs when the breast sits below the natural crease, creating two visible folds or indentations.
• Areola stretching: stretching around the nipple area may occur if the correct surgical technique or suturing method was not used.
• Waterfall deformity: occurs when the natural breast tissue slides below the implant, creating a downward slope sometimes referred to as a “Snoopy nose” appearance.
• Asymmetry: noticeable differences in the size or shape of the breasts, implant height or the size and position of the areolae may indicate poor surgical planning or technique.

If you experience complications following breast implant surgery and believe the outcome may be linked to poor surgical care, it may be possible to explore your legal options. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors specialises in helping patients who have experienced negligent cosmetic surgery, working to secure compensation for those affected.

Long-term health concerns

If complications following breast implant surgery are not identified or treated early, the effects can worsen over time. Problems that begin as minor concerns may develop into more serious medical or cosmetic issues if they are left unaddressed. At the same time, it is also possible for some health concerns to develop years after breast augmentation, even when the surgery was carried out correctly.

For this reason, patients with breast implants should remain aware of potential long-term effects and seek medical advice if they notice new or persistent symptoms.

Below are some of the long-term health concerns that have been associated with breast implant surgery.

Breast implant illness (BII)

Breast implant illness, often referred to as BII, is a term used to describe a collection of symptoms reported by some people with breast implants. These symptoms can include fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, memory problems and symptoms similar to autoimmune conditions that may affect the body’s immune system. BII is not currently recognised as a formal medical diagnosis, and research is ongoing to understand the possible relationship between breast implants, immune system responses and these symptoms.

Some individuals report improvement in symptoms after the removal of their implants, although medical evidence on this issue is still developing. Because of this, patients who experience persistent or unexplained symptoms should speak with a medical professional to discuss their concerns and determine whether further assessment is needed.

Additional long-term health risks

Some medical studies have explored whether breast implants may be linked to a higher likelihood of certain autoimmune conditions, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Research in this area is still ongoing, and scientists continue to examine whether implants contribute to these conditions or if other factors may be involved.

The psychological impact of breast augmentation should also be considered. While many patients are satisfied with their results, others may experience emotional difficulties following surgery. These may include anxiety, dissatisfaction with appearance or ongoing body image concerns.

If you experience persistent physical symptoms or changes in your health after breast implant surgery, it is advisable to seek medical advice so the cause can be assessed and appropriate care can be provided.

The importance of choosing the right surgeon

Selecting a qualified and experienced surgeon is essential for reducing the risk of complications and achieving satisfactory results. Look for a surgeon who is a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS); these organisations hold their members to a high standard, meaning they are less likely to make mistakes or neglect their responsibilities to their patients.

It is also advisable to research the surgeon’s background carefully. This includes reviewing their qualifications, how long they have been performing breast procedures and any feedback from previous patients. A thorough consultation should also take place before surgery, during which the surgeon should explain the procedure, discuss the expected results, outline the risks and answer any questions you may have.

Ideally, the surgeon performing the procedure should have extensive experience specifically in breast surgery. Surgeons who regularly perform breast augmentation procedures are more familiar with the techniques required to achieve consistent results and manage complications if they arise.

Experience becomes even more relevant for procedures such as breast implant removal or secondary breast augmentation (revision surgery). Follow-up surgeries are often more complex than the original operation because the surgeon may need to work around scar tissue, reposition implants or correct previous surgical outcomes. For this reason, it is advisable to choose a surgeon who specialises in breast procedures and has clear experience in performing revision breast surgery.

Claiming compensation for negligent breast implant side effects

If you experience complications after breast implant surgery and believe they were caused by poor surgical care, you may be entitled to claim compensation for medical negligence. Surgeons have a duty of care to explain the risks of surgery, assess your suitability for the procedure, perform the operation to accepted medical standards and monitor your recovery afterwards.

If these responsibilities are not met and you suffer avoidable harm as a result, compensation may be available. This can help cover the cost of corrective surgery, further medical treatment, lost income and the physical and emotional impact the outcome has had on your life.

At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we have extensive experience supporting people affected by negligent breast surgery. Our team can review your case, assess whether your surgeon met the expected standards of care and guide you through the claims process. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors achieves an approximate 95% success rate in cases pursued after obtaining medical evidence.