Breast implants can significantly improve your confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being, but they are not completely without risk. While both saline and silicone implants are FDA-cleared and considered generally safe for most people, implant rupture is one of the most common complications patients experience.
This does not happen to everyone—the majority of people who undergo breast augmentation surgery never experience implant rupture. However, it is a good idea to be aware of the signs so you can seek help if this happens to you, and avoid any further complications. Dr. Steele, our board-certified plastic surgeon, is here to help you determine whether your breast implant has ruptured.
How Common Is Breast Implant Rupture?
While implant rupture is one of the most common complications of breast augmentation, the risk is still relatively low. Studies estimate a 10 percent incidence of silicone implant rupture within 10 years. Saline implants carry a higher risk, at about 24 percent at 10 years, and this risk progressively increases 1-2% per year. This risk increases with age, and signs of your breast implant leaking can be due to factors such as normal material degradation, weakening of the implant shell over time, and accidental trauma.
It is important to note that these statistics are generalizations. Individual risk will depend on factors such as your lifestyle, the type of implant, and body habitus. Dr. Steele is an expert in breast augmentation surgery and carefully places your implants using techniques that offer the best chance of durability.
Advances in cosmetic science continue to improve implant durability. Modern implants carry less risk of rupture, such as gummy bear implants formulated with a thicker, more durable silicone gel and more durable implant shell.
How To Tell if Silicone Implants Rupture
Detecting whether there is damage to your silicone breast implant can be difficult, and it is often called “silent rupture” for this reason. If your silicone implant has ruptured, you may experience:
- Changes in breast shape
- Increased firmness of breast tissue
- Discomfort or pain in the breast
- Inflammation
- Numbness or tingling in the nipple
- Sudden lumps around the implant
However, while some will experience these symptoms, many people experience no changes at all when their silicone implant ruptures. Silicone implants often leak slowly, and the gel stays contained by the body’s scar tissue, so you might not see or feel anything wrong. If you have silicone implants, the FDA recommends routine imaging (MRI or ultrasound) every5 years to check for silent ruptures.
How To Tell if Saline Implants Rupture
Dr. Steele does not offer saline implants, but it is still helpful to know when leaks occur, so you can get them replaced.
If you have saline breast implants, it will likely be easier to tell if one is leaking from the visible indicators. You will notice a deflation of the breast as the saline leaks out. This is not harmful, as the saltwater solution is found naturally in the body and it is easily reabsorbed. As this happens, your breast will become noticeably smaller, softer, or change in shape. You may also see a wrinkling or rippling of the skin and experience some pain or tenderness.
What To Do if Your Breast Implant Has Ruptured
If you see signs that your breast implant has ruptured, you should contact our team immediately. Prompt imaging and intervention will reduce potential complications and allow Dr. Steele to formulate an implant removal or replacement plan. We understand that experiencing implant rupture can be discouraging, and we are here to provide fast, effective solutions to ensure your safety and restore your figure.
Contact Us Today To Learn More About Signs of a Damaged or Ruptured Breast Implant
Experiencing implant rupture can be stressful, and our team is here to support you. The best way to avoid complications from implant rupture is to be aware of the signs so that you can come to our office immediately for imaging and interventions. Call us to schedule your consultation.