Breast augmentation continues to be one of the most requested cosmetic procedures in San Diego, reflecting broader national trends. But in 2025, women are no longer simply searching for aesthetic improvement—they’re demanding clarity, transparency, and evidence-based information about implant safety. If you’re considering breast implants this year, you’re not alone in wondering: What has changed? What do I need to know now that wasn’t talked about five years ago?
At Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery, we believe in empowering patients with factual, up-to-date guidance so they can make confident, informed decisions.
What’s Changed in 2025: Key Updates in Breast Implant Regulation
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and global health authorities have refined implant-related guidelines in recent years. Here are the latest updates that directly impact anyone considering surgery in 2025:
- Mandatory Patient Decision Checklists: Plastic surgeons are now required to review comprehensive checklists with patients, ensuring they understand potential risks before surgery.
- Stronger Labeling Requirements: Breast implants now come with standardized labels that include detailed information about rupture rates, long-term safety data, and the need for future surgeries.
- More Accessible MRI and Ultrasound Monitoring: Early detection of silent ruptures in silicone implants is becoming more affordable and accessible due to improvements in imaging technologies.
These changes reflect a growing emphasis on transparency, patient education, and long-term monitoring. You can explore our approach to breast augmentation in San Diego here.
Silicone vs. Saline in 2025: Safety, Longevity, and Innovation
A common question women ask is whether saline or silicone implants are safer. The short answer: It depends on your body, goals, and how you define “safe.”
Here’s how both materials compare based on current data:
| Feature | Silicone Implants | Saline Implants |
| Look & Feel | Softer, more natural | Slightly firmer |
| Rupture Detection | Silent, needs MRI/ultrasound | Immediate deflation |
| Age Range FDA-Approved | 22+ | 18+ |
| Incision Size | Usually larger | Smaller |
| Safety Profile | FDA-reviewed; linked to rare BIA-ALCL cases | FDA-reviewed; fewer complications in some studies |
| Cost | Typically higher | Generally lower |
Notable in 2025: “Gummy bear” silicone implants—cohesive gel varieties that hold shape even when cut—remain popular for their balance of aesthetics and safety.
What Is Breast Implant Illness (BII) and Should You Be Concerned?
One of the most searched terms in recent years is Breast Implant Illness (BII)—a term used by patients describing symptoms they attribute to implants, including fatigue, joint pain, memory issues, and anxiety. As of 2025:
- BII is not formally recognized as a diagnosable medical condition, but it is acknowledged by the FDA and professional societies as a real patient-reported concern.
- Thousands of women have reported improvement in symptoms after implant removal (explantation), though conclusive clinical evidence is still being gathered.
- Surgeons are encouraged to take these concerns seriously and explore them with patients during consultations.
At Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery, patient-reported symptoms are never dismissed—we prioritize listening and individualized care.
Choosing a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in San Diego
Implant safety isn’t only about the device itself—it’s about who places it, how it’s placed, and the post-surgical support you receive. In 2025, here’s what to look for in a surgeon:
- Board Certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
- Hospital Privileges in an accredited facility
- Experience with Revision and Explant Surgery (in case removal or correction is needed later)
- Transparent Communication about risks, expectations, and alternatives
You can learn more about the approach and credentials of our team by visiting Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery.
Risks to Know About—and How to Minimize Them
While breast implants are FDA-approved and widely used, no surgery is risk-free. Awareness helps minimize complications.
Short-term surgical risks:
- Infection
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Scarring
- Capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue)
Long-term risks:
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Need for replacement or revision surgery (most implants aren’t “lifetime” devices)
- BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma), a rare cancer linked to certain textured implants
- Changes in breast sensation
How to reduce risk:
- Follow post-op instructions strictly
- Attend regular imaging checkups (especially with silicone implants)
- Discuss any unusual symptoms immediately
- Stay informed about new research and FDA updates
Explant Surgery: Growing Demand and Who It’s For
Another rising trend is explant surgery—the removal of breast implants. Why are some women choosing this?
- Health concerns, including suspected BII
- Shift in personal aesthetic preferences
- Complications like rupture or capsular contracture
- Maintenance fatigue after multiple revisions
In 2025, more women are exploring explantation without stigma. For some, it’s part of a personal reset. For others, it’s health-motivated. Regardless of reason, it’s critical to work with a surgeon who specializes in safe, complete removal and understands en bloc capsulectomy when appropriate.
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
An informed consultation can clarify your goals and help you understand what breast augmentation entails in today’s context. Use this checklist to guide your discussion:
- What implant types and brands do you use?
- What are your revision and complication rates?
- How do you monitor for silent ruptures over time?
- What is your experience with explanation or revision procedures?
- How do you handle patients with health concerns post-surgery?
These questions not only signal your awareness—they help establish trust between you and your surgical team.
Final Thoughts: Your Health, Your Choice
The decision to get breast implants is deeply personal. In 2025, women have more access to data, safer materials, and better surgical practices than ever before. Still, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and risks based on your unique goals and medical history.
Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery is committed to helping San Diego women make informed, empowered choices when it comes to breast enhancement. Our philosophy blends aesthetics with patient advocacy, offering both surgical excellence and ongoing education.
Whether you’re exploring augmentation for the first time or researching explant options, remember: safety isn’t just about the product—it’s about the process, people, and support you surround yourself with.