Studies have shown that, over the course of about a decade following the procedure, silicone gel implants are more likely to leak than saline implants. If a leak occurs within a saline implant, the released fluid will be absorbed by the body and flushed out by the kidneys. When a saline implant ruptures, its smaller, deflated state is often very easy for the patient to notice, and they can immediately address the leakage, either by having the implant replaced or removed.
An MRI scan may need to be performed for the doctor to confirm that a silicone implant has ruptured. However, once an implant ruptures, collagen fibers in the breast called capsules will begin to grow in the empty space. The longer this tissue is allowed to fill the breast, the more will have to be removed when replacing the implant.
It is therefore a good idea to replace ruptured implants as soon as possible, for an easier surgery and recovery. Fortunately, most saline implant ruptures are immediately obvious. Even if patients are unfamiliar with ruptures, they will likely recognize that a breast has suddenly changed in appearance. Use the following warning signs to identify a rupture and subsequently seek treatment:.
If you have reason to believe an implant has ruptured and you feel feverish and sick, this may be indication of a developing infection. In the event you believe you may an infection, call your doctor immediately for appropriate treatment.
If you have undergone breast augmentation and believe your implants may need replacement or revision, we can help. Through consultation with Dr. Henry, an expert assessment can be made regarding your implants, and the appropriate treatment can be given. Get in touch with Dr. Henry by filling out the form below with any questions or comments you have.
Kimberly Henry MD. Call Us At Or choose a specific location. In other cases, she may have pain, redness of the breast, or notice a subtle change in the shape of her breast. For my patient, the diagnosis was straight-forward; she had saline implants which were 10 years old, she had sustained trauma to the breast, and she had a subsequent change in her size.
If her story had been less clear-cut, or her examination less remarkable, I would have sent her for an ultrasound, which is a cheap and fast way of examining the integrity of a breast implant. It does not give all of the information that an MRI can provide, but it is an excellent first step. If an ultrasound is equivocal, an MRI is the next test that I order. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies will cover the high cost of an MRI following breast augmentation, so I generally order them only if absolutely necessary.
I always recommend to patients that they remove a ruptured implant, for several reasons. First, this is a defective medical device, and if it is not performing its function, it should be removed.
Second, the inflammation associated with rupture of the implant can cause symptoms, such as pain, redness, and changes secondary to scar tissue.
For these reasons, I advise patients to have the defective device removed. New implants can be replaced at the same time, or the patient can opt to live without her implants.
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