Silicone is used safely in many medical devices and products, including pacemakers and heart valves, artificial joints, medical tubing, as well as everyday household items like baking pans, detergents, and fabrics. Silicone gel-filled breast implants are arguably the most studied medical devices in the world—there have been decades of research evaluating the safety and effectiveness of silicone implants. Silicone implants have been used extensively throughout the world and are thought to look and feel natural. Read more about silicone breast implants.

Implant Rupture

An implant rupture is a tear or hole in the breast implant shell. When this occurs in a silicone gel-filled implant, the gel may remain in the shell, leak into the tissue (or capsule) that forms around the implant or spread beyond the capsule.

Capsular contracture

After surgery, your body begins to naturally surround the implant with a layer of scar tissue. This tissue is called a “capsule” because it encapsulates (or surrounds) the implant. Sometimes, for several reasons, the capsule can tighten and squeeze the implant—this is called capsular contracture. It can cause the breast to feel hard, look misshaped, and be painful. Capsular contracture occurs more commonly in revision augmentation than in primary augmentation.

Systemic symptoms

Patients receiving breast implants have reported a variety of systemic symptoms such as joint pain, muscle aches, confusion, chronic fatigue, autoimmune diseases, and others. Individual patient risk for developing these symptoms has not been well established. Some patients report complete resolution of symptoms when the implants are removed without replacement.

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)

BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer—it is a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer of the immune system). In most cases, BIA-ALCL is found in the scar tissue and fluid near the implant, but, in some cases, it can spread throughout the body. In the cases that it has spread beyond the scar tissue and fluid near the implant, rare cases of death have been reported.

Health Canada recognizes a higher risk of BIA-ALCL with implants having a textured surface, especially those with a more highly textured surface as opposed to implants with a smoother surface.

As per Health Canada, the exact cause of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is unknown. While the cause is unknown, possible risk factors and causes for the disease include the high surface area of the implants, genetic factors, and long-term (chronic) inflammation around the implant triggered by factors such as bacteria around the implant. A patient’s genetic predisposition may then add to the inflammatory response, resulting in transformation to BIA-ALCL.

The incidence appears to vary depending on the type of implant texturing, although BIA-ALCL has been identified in patients with all types/brands of texturing. A higher incidence of BIA-ALCL has been reported with higher surface area/roughness devices.

Patient safety is Allergan Aesthestics’ highest priority, and we will continue to collaborate with clinicians, societies, and global health authorities to advance research, understanding and awareness about breast implant effectiveness and safety. Should you have any questions about Allergan’s breast implants, you can contact our Medical Information team: MR-MedicalInformation@Allergan.com or 1-800-668-6424.

Reports in the medical literature indicate that patients with breast implants are not at a greater risk than those without breast implants for developing breast cancer. Women with breast implants are still able to have accurate mammograms, though it may be more difficult. Women should ask to have their mammography exams performed and interpreted at centres experienced in the evaluation of women with breast implants. Other breast screening exams such as ultrasound and MRI can also be performed when necessary.

The cost of breast augmentation surgery will depend on your surgeon, where the operation is performed, and the type of implant used.

In Canada, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy for cancer is covered by most provincial and territorial health plans. Speak with your surgeon to discuss the options available to you.

After your breast implant surgery, most doctors will recommend that you sleep only on your back for the first few weeks. This allows the tissue around your implant to heal and lowers the risk of deforming the implant by sleeping on them. Once your body has had a chance to heal, sleeping on your side or stomach poses no risk to the implants. Talk to your doctor to find out what they recommend and any tips they can offer for sleeping after your surgery.