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Breast Augmentation Claims

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What Are the Signs of Breast Implant Problems?

Breast implants
Joanne GoodenoughAssociate Solicitor
Joanne Goodenough
Joanne is an expert in representing women and men who have undergone unhappy cosmetic surgery and treatments and she has successfully pursued countless cases.

Breast augmentation is an invasive procedure, with implants placed above or below the chest muscle to increase the size of the breasts. Like any surgical procedure, breast implant surgery - also known as breast enlargement - carries a range of potential risks. While some complications result from factors outside of your control, such as the surgical technique used or the clinical decisions made by your surgeon, others may be influenced by how well you follow post-operative care guidance. Understanding the potential risks in advance can help you make informed choices and recognise when something may be going wrong.

In this guide, the experts at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors outline the signs of breast implant problems, how common they are and what you can do should you experience them.

How common are breast implant complications?

While breast implant surgery is generally considered safe, with most breast implant patients experiencing a smooth surgery, complications can and do occur. According to the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), serious complications are rare, affecting fewer than 1 in 100 people who undergo breast augmentation. Infection is even less common, occurring in fewer than 1 in 1,000 procedures.

However, changes in nipple sensation are more frequently reported. Around 20% of people who have breast implant surgery experience a reduction in nipple sensitivity, and in approximately 10% of those cases, this change may be permanent.

Another area of growing concern is breast implant illness (BII). Although BII is not currently recognised as an official medical diagnosis, it is widely reported by people who have had breast implants and experienced systemic symptoms. These often include joint pain, brain fog, muscle pain, fatigue, immune system issues and difficulty concentrating. Research suggests that up to 95% of people who report these symptoms believe they are linked to their breast implants, highlighting the need for greater awareness and further investigation.

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Can you get breast implant complications years later?

Complications related to breast implants can arise many years after the initial surgery. According to the BAPRAS, it is estimated that up to 50% of breast implants may rupture within 15 years of placement.

Implant rupture can lead to visible or physical changes, depending on the type of implant used. With saline-filled breast implants, you may notice a sudden change in breast size, shape or firmness as the implant deflates. Silicone breast implant ruptures may be less obvious, as the silicone gel is more viscous than the liquid used to fill saline implants. However, silicone implant ruptures can still result in discomfort, breast pain or changes in contour. In both cases, medical intervention is usually required.

If a rupture occurs, you will likely need to undergo breast implant removal and implant replacement surgery to correct the issue and restore your desired appearance. Long-term monitoring of your implants and seeking prompt advice if you notice changes are key steps in maintaining your health after breast augmentation. Depending on the outcome, additional breast implant revision surgery may be needed.

How can proper aftercare prevent breast implant complications after surgery?

Many of the risks associated with breast augmentation surgery are linked to the healing process - an area where your actions can have a significant impact. Failing to follow aftercare instructions may disrupt the healing of breast tissue, increase the risk of infection and lead to avoidable complications. These may include delayed healing or unsatisfactory outcomes, such as changes in breast shape or position.

To support proper healing and reduce the risk of complications with breast implants, you should follow your surgeon’s aftercare guidance carefully, including:

  • Keep dressings clean and in place: do not remove any bandages or dressings until your surgeon confirms it is safe to do so.
  • Avoid strenuous activity: heavy lifting, stretching and vigorous exercise can place unnecessary strain on healing tissue. Gentle walking may be allowed once approved by your surgeon. Avoid sun exposure to the breast area, as this can interfere with scar healing.
  • Sleep on your back, propped up: sleeping upright reduces pressure on the breasts and helps prevent stitches from pulling or rubbing during the night.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing: tight garments may place friction on the healing area and delay recovery.
  • Use a supportive surgical bra: your surgeon should supply or recommend a post-operative bra that supports your breasts as they heal.
  • Take care when washing: until advised otherwise, avoid letting water enter the surgical site. Do not take baths, and do not direct the shower stream at your chest. Let water flow gently over the area and ensure all soap is rinsed away. You may find a wound cover or shower shirt helpful during this time.

In addition to careful aftercare, choosing a qualified, experienced surgeon is vital to the success of your breast augmentation. In the UK, surgeons practicing aesthetic plastic surgery are expected to meet rigorous professional standards. If these standards are not upheld, the consequences can be serious - both medically and legally.

Although undergoing surgery abroad may appear more affordable, this often reflects a lower standard of care. You should thoroughly research any prospective surgeon, compare options and speak to others who have undergone the same procedure to make an informed decision.

For help or to start a claim, call our team on 0800 634 0285

Which complications of breast surgery should your surgeon prevent?

Your surgeon has a legal duty to prioritise your wellbeing, deliver a safe surgical outcome, and take all reasonable steps to reduce the risk of known complications. When they fail to meet these standards, and you experience avoidable harm, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Certain complications following breast implant surgery may indicate that your surgeon did not follow proper procedures or failed in their duty of care, including:

  • Unexpected scarring: scar tissue surrounding the incisions that are larger than expected, in a different location or not as described prior to the procedure may suggest poor surgical planning or technique.
  • Infection: surgeons must take every precaution to prevent infection during surgery and remain vigilant during follow-up appointments to detect and respond to early signs of infection.
  • Areola stretching: excessive stretching of the areola can be a sign that the wrong surgical method or implant size was used.
  • Asymmetry: noticeable unevenness between the breasts may result from inaccurate placement or sizing of the implants.
  • Double bubble deformity: occurs when the implant slips below the natural crease of the breast, creating an unnatural line or indentation. It may suggest improper placement or implant selection.
  • Symmastia: refers to the merging of the breasts across the chest wall, creating a single mound appearance. It is often caused by over-dissection of tissue or improper implant positioning.

If you have experienced any of these complications with breast implants and believe they could have been avoided with appropriate surgical care, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help you understand whether you are eligible to claim compensation.

What should you do if you think something has gone wrong with your breast implant procedure?

If you experience complications after breast implant surgery and believe these issues were caused by your surgeon’s failure to meet their professional obligations, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Your first step should be to seek medical attention and raise your concerns with your surgeon. This helps ensure your health is prioritised and allows for a clinical assessment of what may have gone wrong.

In some cases, corrective surgery may be recommended - particularly if the implants have shifted or your breasts have healed in an unexpected position. Where the results are more severe, breast implant removal may be necessary. However, these procedures can be costly and emotionally distressing.

If you believe your surgeon’s actions or failure to act appropriately are responsible for your complications, Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help. Our specialist team has extensive experience in helping people pursue compensation for negligent cosmetic surgery. We can support you in holding your surgeon accountable and help you access the care and resources you need.

Get in touch with Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors is here to help if you’ve experienced complications from breast implant surgery due to your surgeon’s negligence. We specialise in supporting people who have been affected by substandard cosmetic surgery, and we can guide you through the process of making a compensation claim with confidence and care.

Our team will work closely with you to understand your experience, gather medical evidence, and build a strong case that holds your surgeon accountable for their failings. Whether you're facing the emotional and physical impact of poor surgical results, require corrective procedures, or have suffered financially as a result of your complications, we are committed to helping you seek the compensation you deserve.

To speak to one of our expert cosmetic surgery claims solicitors, call us on or complete our simple . We are ready to listen, support, and act on your behalf.

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