While implants are generally considered to be safe, there have been some concerns about risks.
Some silicone implants were voluntarily taken off the market in the 1990s due to safety concerns. Since then, regulatory authorities such as the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) must approve brands that are used in Australia.
In April 2010, the French breast implant brand Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) was withdrawn due to safety concerns and a possible increased likelihood of ruptures. About 5000 Australians had a PIP implant between 2000 and 2010, but most of these were cosmetic procedures.
In late 2019 the TGA removed from sale some textured breast implants and imposed extra conditions on others because of concerns over BIA–ALCL. Women who are worried about the safety of their implant should discuss any concerns with their surgeon.
The Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR) is a national clinical quality registry for all people having breast implant surgery. Its aim is to provide a way to track how the products perform and what the patient outcomes are after surgery. This can help identify early signs of problems with a device.
ABDR is supported by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, Breast Surgeons of Australia & New Zealand and the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with printed information about the registry and you’ll be contacted by ABDR after the surgery with more information.
For more details, visit ABDR or ask your surgeon. You can also visit the TGA’s online breast implant hub for updated safety information.
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
A/Prof Elisabeth Elder, Specialist Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Westmead Breast Cancer Institute and Clinical Associate Professor, The University of Sydney, NSW; Dragana Ceprnja, Senior Physiotherapist and Health Professional Educator, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Jan Davies, Consumer; Rosemerry Hodgkin, Consumer; Gillian Horton, Owner and Director, Colleen’s Lingerie and Swimwear, ACT; Ashleigh Mondolo, Clinical Nurse Consultant Breast Care Nurse, Mater Private Hospital South Brisbane, QLD; Dr Jane O’Brien, Specialist Oncoplastic Breast Cancer Surgeon, St Vincent’s Private Hospital, VIC; Moira Waters, Breast Care Nurse, Breast Cancer Care WA; Sharon Woolridge, Consumer; Rebecca Yeoh, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Queensland.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
Need to talk?
Support services
Coping with cancer?
Speak to a health professional or to someone who has been there, or find a support group or forum
Cancer Council Online Community
A community forum – a safe place to share stories, get tips and connect with people who understand
Cancer information
Exercises after breast surgery
Learn exercises that can improve the movement of your arm and shoulder, and help get you back to your usual activities
Managing side effects
Learn about the different side effects cancer and its treatment can cause, and how to manage them