What Women Should Know About Breast Implants

Breast implants are one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in the United States. Today, an estimated 3.5 million women have breast implants. First developed in the 1960s, implants became widely popular in the 1980s and 1990s as they appeared more frequently in celebrity culture and media.

Today, breast implants are a hot topic. Some women pursue them to feel more confident, while others voice concerns about risks and complications. For Breast Implant Awareness Month, we’re taking a closer look at the facts surrounding breast implants so every woman can make informed decisions about their health.

What is a breast implant?

A breast implant is a medical device placed under breast tissue or chest muscle to change the size, shape, or contour of the breast. This procedure is called breast augmentation when done for cosmetic reasons—though it’s often referred to more casually as a “boob job.” When performed after a mastectomy or injury, it is called breast reconstruction.

Breast implants are used for:

• Cosmetic enhancement
• Increasing breast size
• Restoring volume after pregnancy or weight loss
• Correcting asymmetry
• Reconstruction after breast cancer surgery

For women recovering from breast cancer, implants can be part of physical and emotional healing. For others, the decision may be rooted in body image, personal preference, or confidence.

Every reason is personal. What matters most is understanding the full picture before making a decision.

Read Next: How to Prevent Breast Cancer: A 6-Step Guide

What are breast implants made of?

The most common types of breast implants for women today are made of a silicone outer shell and filled with either saline or silicone gel.

Saline implants: These implants contain a silicone outer layer filled with a saline (sterile saltwater) solution. If they rupture, the saline is absorbed by the body.

Silicone gel implants: These implants have a silicone outer layer and are filled with a silicone gel that feels more like natural breast tissue. If they rupture, leakage may not be immediately noticeable, which is why imaging follow-up is recommended.

Breast implants are not a “one and done” procedure. Although both saline and silicone implants are FDA-approved, that approval does not mean they are lifetime devices. They are not considered permanent and require ongoing monitoring, potential upkeep, and an understanding of associated risks.

The Long-Term Reality of Breast Implants

While breast implants have been approved by the FDA since 1962, they do typically require monitoring and, in many cases, additional surgery over time. The FDA advises that women with silicone gel implants undergo MRI or ultrasound screening five to six years after placement and every two to three years after that to check for silent rupture.

Other important considerations:

• Breast implants are not considered permanent devices, and many women will need additional procedures to replace or remove implants over time.
• Pregnancy, menopause, and weight changes can affect appearance
• Routine breast exams and age-appropriate mammograms remain essential
• Choosing implants is not a one-time decision. It’s an ongoing health commitment.

Risks and Complications to Understand

If you are considering breast augmentation, it is important to understand both the upkeep requirements and the potential risks. All surgeries carry risk; breast implant surgery is no exception.

Potential risks include:

• Anesthesia complications
• Infection
• Bleeding or hematoma
• Fluid buildup (seroma)
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation
• Capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening around the implant)
• Implant rupture or leakage
• Implant shifting
• Persistent pain

There are also rare but important risks to understand.

The FDA has identified a rare cancer called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), most commonly associated with textured implants. Even more rarely, cases of breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC) have been reported in the capsule surrounding implants.

While these complications are uncommon, awareness allows women to monitor symptoms and seek care early if needed.

Celebrities Open Up About Their Breast Implants

Recently, celebrities have been more open about their experiences with breast implants.

Kylie Jenner has spoken about regretting getting breast implants at a young age, before having children.

“I got my breasts done… not thinking I would have a child when I was 20. I just wish I never got them done to begin with.”

Supermodel Gisele Bündchen has also shared her experience honestly after surgery.

“When I woke up, I was like, ‘What have I done?’ I felt like I was living in a body I didn’t recognize.”

Still, other women have had positive experiences. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles has spoken positively about her decision.

“It’s just feeling good about yourself and loving yourself, and I’ve always been very vocal about that.”

Every woman’s experience is different, which is why informed decisions and body awareness matter.

Should you get breast implants?

Getting breast implants is a serious and personal decision. Taking care of yourself means understanding the risks, the long-term upkeep, and how the decision may affect your body over time. There is no one-size-fits- all answer.

For Breast Implant Awareness Month, consider taking time to learn more and ask thoughtful questions before making a decision. Scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is an important step. During that appointment, consider asking:

• What long-term monitoring will be required, and how often?
• What is the typical lifespan of these implants, and what are the replacement rates?
• How might implants affect future pregnancies or breastfeeding?
• Are there specific risks based on my personal or family medical history?
• What signs of complications should I watch for?

While reviewing this information, it’s also important to take time to reflect on your emotional motivations alongside your physical expectations before moving forward.

Real confidence starts with understanding your body and making informed decisions about your health.

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