Dr. Robert Whitfield explains what causes hard breasts after implants, why fatigue is the overlooked symptom patients miss, and why textured implants carry higher bacterial risk. France, Ireland, and Australia pulled textured devices in 2019. Standard lab panels won't catch most implant issues, but normal results can reassure you.
A breast that's gone hard or a breast that's changed shape?
Hard. That's usually the scar tissue around the implant tightening up.
Fatigue or brain fog?
Fatigue. Brain fog scares people enough that they bring it up. Fatigue is the one women ignore for years because they think it has to do with work, kids, or just getting older.
Textured implant or smooth?
Textured. More surface area means more room for bacteria to sit, more interaction with your tissues. France, Ireland, and Australia all pulled textured implants off the market back in 2019.
Normal labs Or no labs at all?
Normal labs. I know that sounds backwards, but a normal panel makes a woman stop looking, and half of what I'm checking for doesn't even show up on standard labs anyway.
Implants you know are ruptured or implants you haven't looked at in 12 years?
The 12 years. A rupture I know about, we can plan around. 12 years of not looking, I've got no idea what I'm walking into. None of these mean you need surgery. They just mean someone should look at it, actually.
