Clear, honest information – so you can make an informed choice

Breast implants can deliver a beautiful and natural result, but they remain medical devices that you carry in your body for a long time. That means: benefits and risks. We believe you should be informed clearly and honestly about this in advance.

At Gooimeer Clinics, we take ample time to weigh together what suits your body, your wishes, and your individual risk profile. We work with modern implants and techniques aimed at a natural result, tissue-friendliness, and long-term stability—but no technique or implant can reduce complications to zero.

The information on this page is based on current patient information from, among others, the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ), the NVPC, and medical centres.

The core message in one sentence: implants can be used safely, but they are never “risk-free”

The IGJ is clear about this: breast implants can always cause complications, such as rupture/leakage or capsular problems. That is why it is always a personal weighing of benefits versus risks.

What risks and complications are associated with breast implants?

Common / “classic”

• Capsular contracture (capsule formation): the body always forms a capsule around an implant; sometimes this capsule becomes too firm and can cause distortion or symptoms.

• Rupture or leakage: implants can tear; the risk increases the longer implants have been in place (often cited: from approximately 10–15 years, the chance of rupture/leakage rises).

• Sagging / change in shape: influenced by skin quality, gravity, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and ageing.

• Infection or bleeding (hematoma): rare, but important because it can sometimes mean reoperation or (temporary) removal.

Rare, but important to know

BIA-ALCL (breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma)

BIA-ALCL is a very rare type of lymphoma that can develop in the space around a breast implant. It is important to recognise warning signs such as late swelling/fluid accumulation, a lump, or clear asymmetry that develops later.

Symptoms patients attribute to implants (BII/ASIA)

Some women experience symptoms (e.g., fatigue, muscle/joint pain, “brain fog”) and associate them with implants. The IGJ and NVPC refer to this as BII (previously also called ASIA). So far, no proven causal relationship has been established, but the symptoms can be very real and impactful—and always deserve careful assessment and guidance.

“Bleeding” / silicone particles (“gel bleed”)

Research is being conducted into the release of (micro)particles or silicone diffusion (“gel bleed/sweating”) and what this means. This topic is explicitly part of ongoing research and regulatory oversight.

How is safety monitored in the Netherlands?

Oversight of manufacturers and clinical use

The IGJ (together with international partners) monitors breast implants and publishes information on safety, research, and warnings.

National Implant Register (LIR)

In the Netherlands, implants are registered by healthcare institutions in the National Implant Register (Landelijk Implantatenregister), so that in case of a signal or safety alert it is easier to trace where and in how many patients a particular implant has been used.

What the IGJ observed in hospitals (and why this matters)

In 2021–2022, the IGJ visited fifteen hospitals and reviewed, among other things, procurement/introduction, registration (LIR), and patient information. The key message: patient safety requires a careful and well-embedded approach around implants.

How do we apply this at Gooimeer Clinics in practice?

• Extensive counselling: no sales talk, but an honest discussion about options, alternatives, and risks.

• Traceability: you receive your implant details clearly (and we ensure correct registration where applicable).

• Safe indication: we operate only when it is medically and aesthetically responsible.

• Follow-up plan: we explain what “normal recovery” looks like, but also when you should contact us immediately.

When should you contact us after breast surgery?

Always contact us if you experience:

• increasing pain, redness, or fever

• rapid swelling or clearly increasing asymmetry

• a new lump or firmness

• late swelling/fluid around an implant (months/years later)

Frequently asked questions about breast implant safety

Are breast implants “safe”?

They can be used safely, but they are not risk-free. Known complications include capsular contracture, rupture/leakage, infection, or changes in shape. That is why we always make a personal risk–benefit assessment.

Do implants have to be replaced after 10 years by definition?

Not necessarily “automatically,” but the risk of rupture/leakage does increase over time (often cited: from approximately 10–15 years). That is why we advise periodic checks and reassessment if you have symptoms or notice changes.

What is capsular contracture and how would you notice it?

Everyone forms a capsule around an implant. Sometimes the capsule becomes thicker/tighter, which can make the breast feel firmer, look distorted, or become painful. We then discuss options such as observation, medical support (in specific cases), or a correction/exchange.

What is BIA-ALCL and should I be worried?

BIA-ALCL is very rare. The most important thing is to recognise alarm signals: late swelling/fluid, a lump, or sudden asymmetry. If these occur, we perform targeted diagnostics.

Is “Breast Implant Illness” real?

Some women experience symptoms they link to implants (BII). Scientifically, no proven causal relationship has yet been established, but the symptoms are very real for the patient and deserve serious evaluation. Together, we discuss diagnostics, treatment options, and possible (partial) explantation when appropriate.

Can silicone “sweat” or migrate?

Research is ongoing into the release of (micro)particles and silicone diffusion (“sweating”). This remains an area of continued research and oversight.

Can I breastfeed with implants?

In many cases, yes. It depends on the incision, implant placement, and your anatomy. We always discuss this if it is relevant for you.

Is breast augmentation reimbursed by health insurance?

Gooimeer Clinics currently provides uninsured care only. This means treatments are not reimbursed by health insurers and are at your own expense.

What if I have symptoms and I want my implants removed?

We will schedule a consultation to discuss symptoms, your history, and the options. In some cases, removal alone is appropriate; in others, combining this with capsule treatment or shape restoration is advisable. The goal is a plan that is medically sound and aligned with your wishes.

Are you unsure whether implants are right for you, or do you already have implants and have questions about safety? During a consultation, we will give you honest, personalised advice — including alternatives, risk profile and realistic expectations.