Breast implants are medical devices with an outer shell that can sometimes tear or break, a process known as a rupture. While the thought of an implant “popping” might sound sudden or catastrophic, the reality is often more subtle. Understanding the signs of a rupture and knowing the appropriate steps to take is an important aspect of implant ownership.
Saline and Silicone Implant Rupture
Breast implants are filled with either saline solution or silicone gel, and rupture manifestations differ significantly. For saline implants, a rupture involves a tear in the outer shell, allowing the sterile salt water to leak out and be safely absorbed by the body. This typically leads to rapid, noticeable breast deflation over a few hours or days.
Silicone implants contain a cohesive gel that often remains largely contained even if the outer shell tears, leading to what is called a “silent rupture” because the gel may stay within the fibrous capsule that forms around the implant. While usually contained, the gel can slowly leak into surrounding breast tissue, preventing the immediate deflation seen with saline implants.
Symptoms of a Ruptured Implant
Symptoms of a ruptured breast implant vary by fill material. For saline implants, apparent symptoms include a sudden, noticeable decrease in breast size or deflation. There may also be a visible change in breast shape or contour, indicating volume loss.
Silicone implant ruptures present more subtle or gradual symptoms, often harder to detect without medical imaging. Patients might notice changes in breast shape or contour, or feel lumps in the breast or armpit. Other signs include breast hardness, persistent pain, tenderness, a burning sensation, swelling, or a rippling effect on the skin. Many silicone ruptures are “silent,” meaning no symptoms are present despite a tear.
Safety Concerns
Health implications of a ruptured breast implant depend on the filling material. If a saline implant ruptures, the sterile salt water is safely absorbed by the body, posing no significant health risk. The primary concern is cosmetic change and the need for replacement or removal.
A silicone implant rupture is generally not considered an acute medical emergency. Current understanding indicates ruptured silicone implants are not linked to systemic diseases like autoimmune or connective tissue diseases. However, a ruptured silicone implant can lead to localized issues within the breast, including inflammation, pain, or the formation of granulomas (small lumps of scar tissue that develop as the body reacts to the silicone gel). While not acutely dangerous, removal or replacement of ruptured silicone implants is typically recommended to prevent further localized complications and discomfort.
Confirming a Rupture and Next Steps
Confirming a breast implant rupture requires specific diagnostic procedures, especially for silicone implants. For saline implants, rupture is often clinically evident due to noticeable breast deflation. Imaging may still be used to confirm the extent and assess surrounding tissue.
For silicone implants, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is the gold standard for detecting silent ruptures, providing detailed images that can reveal even small tears or gel bleed. Ultrasound and mammography can also aid initial assessment, but MRI offers the highest sensitivity for silicone rupture detection. Once a rupture is confirmed, typical next steps involve surgical intervention, which may include explantation (removal of the implant) or replacement with a new implant. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is important to discuss the best course of action, depending on the individual’s situation, implant type, and health goals.