It’s only natural to have some concerns over a potential leak or rupture after breast augmentation. Although both of these events are actually pretty rare (implants carry just a 1 percent failure rate per year), it’s a good idea to know to recognize a breach in your breast implants, and what your next step should be if you suspect a problem.
Recognizing the Telltale Signs
Depending on whether you have saline or silicone implants, the warning signs of a leak or rupture may be very different.
- Saline implants normally visibly and quickly deflate, usually over the course of just a few hours. The saline liquid rapidly leaks out, and is absorbed into the bloodstream. The affected breast typically becomes noticeably smaller, or may change shape and take on a deflated appearance.
- Silicone implants are filled with a thick gel that’s designed to stay in place even if the outer shell is damaged. Additionally, the body forms a capsule of scar tissue around the implant, so if any silicone were to leave the shell, it would still be contained. In the event of a leak, the breast doesn’t usually change in appearance and there may not be any noticeable symptoms. For this reason, a leak in a silicone implant is often called a “silent rupture.”
If you do think that a leak or rupture is a possibility, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your surgeon as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and implant replacement if needed.
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Author: Dr. Francesco Campanile
Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Francesco Campanile is a cosmetic surgeon in Denver who is focused on body contouring and breast enhancement. Time and time again, the women and men who choose Dr. Campanile say that they’ve found “the whole package” – a doctor who cares deeply about the quality of their results and has the skill to achieve excellence.
