Are breast implants safe? Risks, BII and what the evidence says

Medically reviewed by Mr Ashley Topps / Mr Petros Yiannoullou, Consultant Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeons. Last reviewed: July 2026. This article is general information and is not a substitute for a consultation.

Breast implants are among the most studied medical devices in the world and millions of women have them. Used appropriately and placed by a qualified surgeon, they have a long record of safe use. That said, no operation is without risk, and “safe” is not the same as “risk free”. The honest answer is that breast implants are considered safe for most women, but there are recognised risks and a few specific issues worth understanding before you decide.

This page explains how implants are regulated, the risks involved, the conditions you may have read about online, and the practical steps that lower your risk.

How breast implants are regulated

In the UK, breast implants are regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Implants used here are CE marked, meaning they meet defined safety and quality standards. The PIP implant problem in 2010, where one manufacturer used non medical grade silicone, led to much tighter oversight of manufacturing and traceability. Reputable manufacturers now provide device cards and warranties, and your implant details are recorded so they can be traced if needed.

The general risks of breast implant surgery

As with any operation, breast augmentation carries some general risks, including bleeding, infection, problems with wound healing, scarring, reactions to the anaesthetic, and changes in nipple or breast sensation that are usually temporary but occasionally lasting. Your surgeon will go through these with you in detail and explain how they are minimised.

There are also some risks specific to implants:

Capsular contracture. Your body forms a natural capsule of scar tissue around any implant. In some people this capsule tightens and thickens, which can make the breast feel firm, look distorted or become uncomfortable. Mild cases may need no treatment; more significant cases can be corrected surgically.

Implant rupture. The outer shell can develop a tear over time. With saline implants this is obvious, as the implant deflates and the body absorbs the harmless salt water. With silicone implants a rupture is often “silent” and causes no immediate symptoms, which is why monitoring matters.

Rippling and palpability. In women with little natural breast tissue, the edge of an implant can sometimes be felt or seen, particularly with saline implants or thinner tissue cover.

Further surgery. Implants are not lifetime devices. Most women will need revision or replacement surgery at some point, whether for a complication, an implant problem or simply a change in preference over the years.

Breast Implant Illness (BII)

Some women report a range of symptoms they associate with their implants, such as fatigue, joint and muscle aches, brain fog, rashes and hair changes. This is often described as Breast Implant Illness. It is important to be clear and balanced here: BII is not currently a formally defined medical diagnosis, and research into it is ongoing. At the same time, the experiences women describe are real, and some report improvement after their implants are removed. If you are worried about symptoms you think may be linked to your implants, we will take it seriously and talk it through with you properly.

BIA-ALCL

Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare cancer of the immune system. It is not breast cancer. The condition has been associated predominantly with textured breast implants, although the overall risk remains low. When it does occur it usually presents as a swelling around the implant some years after surgery, and it is generally very treatable when caught early. Your surgeon can talk you through the current evidence and what to look out for.

There are other rarer forms of carcinoma and lymphoma that have been associated with breast implants of any type. Currently there are only a small number of cases reported worldwide.

Implants and breast cancer screening

Implants do not cause breast cancer, and there is no evidence that they do. They can, however, make mammograms a little harder to read because the implant can obscure some breast tissue. If you have implants, always tell the radiographer, as additional views (sometimes called Eklund views) can be taken to see around the implant. Routine breast awareness and attending screening when invited remain just as important after augmentation.

How long do implants last?

Implants are not designed to last a lifetime. You may hear a rough guide of around ten years, but this varies a great deal from person to person. Some implants last far longer with no problems, while others may need attention sooner. The sensible approach is to stay under review, attend your follow up appointments and seek advice if you notice any change.

How to keep your risk as low as possible

The single most important factor is who performs your surgery and where. Choose a surgeon who is registered with the General Medical Council and on the specialist register, operating in a properly accredited facility. Beyond that:

• Have a thorough consultation and ask about the specific implants being used.
• Follow your aftercare instructions, including any advice on support bras and activity.
• Attend your follow up appointments and keep your implant device card.
• Stay breast aware and report any new lump, pain, swelling or change in shape promptly.

References

• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) – guidance on breast implants.
• NHS – overview of breast implant surgery.
• Association of Breast Surgery (ABS) and British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) – patient information.
• MHRA and regulatory statements on BIA-ALCL.