Australia is experiencing a significant rise in breast implant removal surgeries, with many women seeking to address severe symptoms they attribute to their implants. While the condition, often referred to as “breast implant illness,” is not officially recognized by the medical community, the growing number of explant surgeries underscores a need for further investigation.
Data from the Australian Breast Device Registry indicates a dramatic increase in explant surgeries over recent years. The number of women undergoing the procedure to remove implants, known as explant surgery, rose from 0.4 per 100,000 women in 2016 to seven per 100,000 in 2022. This data also encompasses cases where implants were removed following cancer treatments.
Despite the increase in removals, “breast implant illness” remains a contentious and poorly understood issue. Patients report a range of debilitating symptoms they attribute to their implants, including fatigue, joint pain, and neurological issues. However, these symptoms are not officially classified as a distinct medical condition, and there is a call from patients and advocates for more research into the potential link between implants and these symptoms.
The rise in explant surgeries highlights the growing concern among women experiencing adverse effects from their breast implants. Health professionals and regulatory bodies are urged to conduct further studies to better understand the potential risks associated with breast implants and to address the needs of those affected.
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