Modern breast implants are designed to be durable and reliable, often lasting up to 15 years before needing replacement. With this in mind, they are not intended to be lifetime devices. Although rare, implant ruptures can occur, with deflation serving as a clear indicator of a ruptured saline implant. Understandably, discovering a ruptured implant can feel alarming and distressing.
Our Richmond plastic surgeon – Neil J. Zemmel, MD, FACS – emphasizes the importance of addressing a deflated or ruptured implant promptly to restore your desired appearance and reduce the risk of complications. In this blog post, we will explore the steps to take if you experience a deflated or ruptured breast implant and provide key information about the replacement process to help guide you through this situation.
Signs of a Ruptured Saline Breast Implant
In most cases, a saline implant rupture is easy for patients to recognize. Composed of a layered rubber shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution, saline implants tend to leak and deflate rapidly when ruptured, often as a result of wear and tear. The implant typically loses its shape noticeably within one to three days, often making the issue straightforward to identify.
Signs of a Ruptured Silicone Breast Implant
Unlike saline implants, silicone implant ruptures are generally “silent.” Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel that often retains its shape even after a rupture occurs. As such, a ruptured silicone implant may not exhibit any visible signs of deflation or damage, and the patient may not be aware of the problem. For this reason, it is crucial for patients with silicone implants to attend routine imaging tests, breast exams, and follow-up appointments. Additionally, patients should promptly contact their physician or plastic surgeon if they suspect an issue with their implants.
Why Timely Replacement Is Essential
A deflated saline implant is usually not considered a health hazard, as the body should naturally absorb the sterile saltwater released during the rupture. That said, delaying replacement for too long can cause the surrounding skin and capsule to contract, potentially leading to asymmetry and complicating the implant replacement process. To minimize these risks, it is recommended that patients undergo replacement within approximately a month of noticing a deflated saline implant.*
On the other hand, a ruptured silicone implant may pose a more pressing concern. Since the body cannot absorb silicone gel, any leakage may potentially lead to complications such as additional scar tissue formation or migration to other areas of the body. In the event of a silicone rupture, Dr. Zemmel typically advises patients to seek an immediate replacement or removal surgery.
Fortunately, the implant manufacturers used by Richmond Aesthetic Surgery offer extended warranties that cover deflated saline implants, as well as many that cover ruptured silicone implants. Depending on the date of your original breast augmentation, these warranties may provide a free or partially subsidized replacement. If you have questions about your warranty options, our team will be happy to assist you.
Consult With Richmond Aesthetic Surgery
If you want to address a deflated or ruptured breast implant, Dr. Zemmel and our experienced team can help. We offer compassionate care and personalized treatment to help you restore your desired look with minimal disruption. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options for implant replacement.
Medical Resource*
The post How Soon Should I Replace a Deflated or Ruptured Breast Implant? first appeared on Richmond Aesthetic Surgery.