Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure of a $1.4bn industry in Australia, with thousands of women getting breast implants each year, but far fewer are undergoing a regular breast implant check. As the number of women undergoing the procedure continues to rise, as does the importance of maintaining high industry standards, reducing risk, and improving safety, health, and aesthetic outcomes for patients in both the short and long-term. While the most important aspect of safety in breast augmentation is choosing a fully qualified plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgeon, there are additional considerations that should inform your choice of surgeon.

We have previously written a blog article regarding this topic to help prospective patients make more informed decisions when it comes to their breast augmentation journey. Part of this aforementioned article considers the surgeon’s long-term care plan. Women undergoing breast augmentation often focus on short-term recovery and outcomes, without considering the long-term care required as a woman with implants. While having breast implants is not something that will be a burden to you or your schedule, there are a few things that patients should be doing consistently to maintain their breast implant health and prevent any complications. Some of these measures should be taken by all women—regardless of whether they have had a breast augmentation—while other measures are more specific. Nonetheless, all of the steps mentioned in this blog post are simple, inexpensive, and should generally take no more than half an hour out of your schedule. 

Breast Self-Examinations

An important aspect of all women’s breast health is performing regular breast self-examinations. It’s important to preface that breast implants do not increase nor impact the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer, and there is no evidence to suggest there is a link between breast implants and breast cancer of any form. There is a very rare link between textured breast implants (which are no longer used by Dr. Richardson and many surgeons) and ALCL. You can read more about this rare link here. As discussed, while breast implants do not affect the likelihood of developing breast cancer, the measures required to check for potential signs and symptoms are slightly different for women who have implants. So, how do women with implants perform a breast self-examination?

Step 1: Get to know your implants

It’s important from the outset that patients have a thorough understanding of their breasts. Patients should be aware of where breast implant ends and the natural breast tissue begins, as this will prevent mistaking the implant edges for irregularities or lumps, and vice versa. It may be of use to patients to take a photo of their breasts to track for any changes in shape or size, as this can sometimes be missed if a patient is not used to their implants. While changes in the breast can often be a result of the implant settling or purely cosmetic changes, it’s always valuable to raise any concerns with a healthcare professional, particularly if changes are occurring over a year post-op or only to one breast. 

Step 2: Feel for irregularities

When performing a breast self-examination, patients should firstly find a comfortable space to lie flat. They should then use 3 fingers to examine the entire breast in slow, circular motions. Patients should also press slightly but firmly under the implant edges to ensure they are checking all breast tissue. If there are any irregularities or lumps, this should be raised with a healthcare professional.

Step 3: Look for changes

Patients should stand in front of the mirror to check for any noticeable nipple or shape changes. As discussed, these changes may be a result of the implant settling, however noticeable or concerning changes in the long-term should be addressed. The next step of breast health involves attending routine mammograms.

 Regular Mammograms

Routine mammograms are an integral aspect of women’s health, and for those with implants, it’s important that you notify your mammogram technician that you have implants to ensure they take the necessary measures to conduct a thorough screening. This may involve scanning multiple angles to check around the breast implant for any irregularities. Mammograms should be repeated as often as recommended by your healthcare professional, particularly if you have a family history. 

Routine Ultrasounds – Breast Implant Check

While it is important for all women to remain vigilant with their breast health, there are specific measures that women with breast implants take to maintain their breast implant health. Routine ultrasounds are an important aspect of long-term care, and at Brisbane Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Phil Richardson encourages all of his patients to undergo ultrasounds yearly. The role of the ultrasound is to detect any changes in the breasts, and check the integrity of the breast implant. Routine ultrasounds can detect any fluid build up that may indicate a health issue or simply require aspiration, they can detect implant rupture which can often go unnoticed, as well as provide peace-of-mind or clarification to patients who may be experiencing signs and symptoms they are concerned about. Routine ultrasounds can help to prevent future complications and flag issues to allow for quick and effective treatment plans. 

BRAS Clinic Appointments – Breast Implant Check

If complications such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or fluid build-up are left untreated over a long period of time, these complications can worsen and cause additional issues from both an aesthetic and medical point of view for patients. As such, it’s important to stay on top of your breast implant health to maintain the longevity of your results and long-term safety. BRAS Clinic is a Brisbane initiative led by Nurse Keren McKenna and established by Dr. Philip Richardson designed to provide all women with implants access to review services at no out-of-pocket expense.

The goal of the BRAS Clinic to provide affordable, thorough, and experienced breast implant check services to women to help them stay on top of their breast implant health. Dr. Richardson recommends that patients have yearly check-ups to not only be referred for their routine ultrasounds, but also have a physical check-up to discuss any concerns or detect physical changes, as well as be updated on the latest news and developments surrounding breast implants as industry guidelines and recommendations change constantly. You can make an appointment to attend the BRAS clinic here. 

Signs & Symptoms

While there are a myriad of various physical changes and sensations that occur throughout breast implant recovery, and often years into the future, there are a number of signs and symptoms that should be flagged with your operating surgeon or the BRAS clinic. Any dramatic changes in the size or shape of one or both breasts should be discussed, any significant new onset pain post-operatively after 6-weeks should be brought to your healthcare professionals attention, and any redness, itching, or delayed wound healing should be discussed with your operating surgeon, particularly if accompanied by any sickness. 

Conclusion

Breast implant health is often overlooked by both women with implants and surgeons alike. Focus is often placed on short-term outcomes from a cosmetic perspective, however the importance of regular breast implant checks and ultrasounds cannot be overstated. The BRAS Clinic in Brisbane is designed to help women stay on top of their breast implant health, and ensure their long-term health and safety and prevention of long-term complications or conditions. If you have any questions about the information in this blog post, or would like to make an appointment to see Dr. Richardson, contact us today.