Breast implants are often portrayed as a straightforward and safe way to enhance or restore one’s appearance. It’s a widely held belief that breast implants are a low-risk, high-reward procedure, one that empowers women by giving them the body they envision. However, this perception is not accurate. In reality, breast implants come with significant risks, some of which may not become apparent until years after the surgery.
At Executive Plastic Surgery, Dr. Shaher Khan, a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, has dedicated his practice to helping women understand the risks of breast implants and recover from complications through safe removal procedures. As a Breast Implant Illness specialist, Dr. Khan does not insert breast implants or perform fat grafting. Instead, he works to restore his patients’ health by exclusively focusing on implant removal. Here’s what you should know before considering or continuing with breast implants.
Breast Implants Are Not Lifetime Devices
One of the biggest misconceptions about breast implants is that they’re a “one-and-done” solution. However, implants are not designed to last a lifetime. Over time, wear and tear can weaken the implant shell, leading to issues such as rupture or deflation, which require additional surgeries. The longer you have implants, the greater the likelihood of requiring another surgery to repair or replace them. Every surgery comes with risks, and many women end up needing multiple procedures over the years, which can lead to added stress and health complications.
Breast Implants Are Associated With Certain Cancers
Breast implants are associated with certain types of cancer, specifically Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and Breast Implant-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma (BIA-SCC). BIA-ALCL is a rare type of lymphoma that develops in the scar tissue surrounding the implant, while BIA-SCC is a form of skin cancer found in the capsule around the implant. These cancers are life-threatening and can occur years after the initial surgery. While BIA-ALCL is linked to textured implants, cases of BIA-SCC have been reported across implant types.
Breast Implant Illness (BII) is Real and Can Severely Impact Your Quality of Life
Many women report experiencing systemic symptoms they attribute to breast implants, a condition referred to as Breast Implant Illness (BII). Symptoms of BII include chronic fatigue, joint pain, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and a whole host of other issues. Although some medical professionals hesitate to recognize BII, thousands of women have found relief following implant removal. Dr. Khan has seen firsthand the relief that many of his patients experience after removing their implants. As a specialist in BII, he is committed to helping women suffering from BII regain their health by safely removing their implants.
Implants May Interfere With Cancer Screening and Diagnostics
Breast implants, particularly silicone gel-filled ones, can make it harder for mammograms to detect breast cancer, as the implant can obscure breast tissue. This reduced visibility may lead to missed diagnoses or delayed detection. Additionally, some women may require specialized imaging techniques, like MRI or ultrasound, which can be more expensive and may still miss smaller tumors. For those with implants, regular and specific screenings are crucial, but they don’t eliminate the risk of missed diagnoses, which can be life-threatening.
Capsular Contracture Can Cause Pain and Deformity
One common complication of breast implants is capsular contracture, a condition in which the scar tissue around the implant hardens, causing pain, discomfort, and even visible deformity. This complication is unpredictable and can happen at any time after surgery. Dr. Khan has treated numerous patients with capsular contracture who found relief only after implant removal. For those facing capsular contracture, removal is often the best course of action to restore comfort and reduce the need for further corrective procedures.
Implants Can Rupture and Leak
Implants are not indestructible; they can rupture or leak, causing a host of problems. When a saline implant ruptures, it generally deflates, and the body absorbs the saline. However, when a silicone implant ruptures, the gel can migrate outside the capsule and into surrounding tissues, potentially causing pain or inflammation. This “silent rupture” can go undetected for years, leading to undiagnosed health issues. Every woman should be fully informed of this risk before choosing implants and undergo regular imaging if implants are already in place.
Dr. Khan’s Patient-Centered Approach to Breast Implant Removal
For women who are experiencing adverse effects from their breast implants or those who simply want to avoid potential issues down the road, Dr. Khan offers compassionate care. At Executive Plastic Surgery, Dr. Khan provides patient-centered care focused on removing implants safely and effectively. He performs implant removal surgeries that allow him to remove the entire implant with its surrounding capsule. He also ensures you fully understand the risks of implants and are empowered to make informed decisions about your health.
Breast implants are not as low-risk as they’re often portrayed. The risks, ranging from additional surgeries and potential cancer diagnoses to capsular contracture and Breast Implant Illness, are real and can have a profound impact on your life.
Dr. Khan’s approach to plastic surgery is rooted in patient advocacy and safety, and he is committed to helping women who want to remove their breast implants for health or precautionary reasons. If you have any other concerns about your implants, please consult with Dr. Khan today.
