What happens when breast implants leak?

Leaking Breast Implants

With over 290,000 procedures performed in 2013, breast augmentation remains the most popular cosmetic procedure performed for women in the United States. Although breast augmentation can greatly enhance one’s self image and improve a patient’s quality of life, there can be complications because of the implants.

Both saline and silicone breast implants are made with very durable shells that can withstand the everyday forces that the body is subjected to. However, over time small parts of the implant shells can fail resulting in rupture.

Studies have shown a rupture rate of about 1 percent per year. Even ten years after surgery there is still a 90 percent chance that a breast implant is still in good shape.

Saline Breast Implant Leak

If you have saline implants, the rupture is easily detected because the saline fluid leaks out and is absorbed by the body. This means that over the course of a day to a week you will notice that the breast with the leak will get smaller and smaller. This is not an emergency but you should see a plastic surgeon to discuss what to do.

Silicone Breast Implant Leak

Silicone implant ruptures are harder to detect. The silicone gel is more cohesive and has the consistency of “Jell-O.” Your body is unable to absorb the silicone so you will not see your breast decrease in size. If an implant does rupture, the silicone is usually contained by the scar tissue around the implant.

Detecting ruptures of silicone implants can be challenging. Neither you nor your surgeon will be able to determine that your implants are ruptured based on a physical exam. Mammograms and breast ultrasounds can detect some ruptures, but the most sensitive study is an MRI.

If you or your surgeon have determined that you have a ruptured breast implant, it is recommended that the ruptured implant be removed and replaced with a new implant. This can be done as an outpatient procedure with a relatively quick recovery

Replacement of a ruptured implant is sometimes covered by your insurance, and is generally associated with less discomfort than the initial augmentation surgery.

Breast Implant Leak Consultation

At Finesse Plastic Surgery, we perform a high volume of breast procedures including breast augmentation and revisions after augmentation surgery.  We use saline and silicone implants in a wide variety of styles to best match the look you hope to achieve.

We also use the newest “gummy bear” implants which are anatomically shaped for patients who don’t want the round look that traditional implants can result in.

Call today to schedule a consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons to discuss any problems or questions you have about your breast implants.