Has my Breast Implant Ruptured?

04 Oct Has my Breast Implant Ruptured?

Ruptured Breast Implant: How to Identify and What to Do

Breast implants have become a popular choice for breast augmentation, but like any medical procedure, they come with potential risks. One such concern is the possibility of a ruptured breast implant, which can occur due to various factors such as trauma, manufacturing defects, or natural wear over time. Recognising the signs of a rupture and knowing how to respond is important for your health and peace of mind.

Perth Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Robert Owen has many years of experience performing breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast reduction and breast lift.

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Breast Implant Structure

To grasp the concept of a ruptured breast implant, you need to understand the structure of breast implants. These medical devices, used in breast augmentation procedures, come in various types and materials.

Implant Types and Materials

Breast implants consist of a silicone shell filled with either saline or silicone gel. Saline implants contain sterile salt water, while silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel. The shell’s surface can be smooth or textured, each offering different benefits. Smooth implants move more freely, mimicking natural breast movement, while textured implants encourage tissue ingrowth, helping them stay in place.

Silicone gel implants have evolved over time, with newer generations offering improved cohesiveness. These implants, sometimes called “gummy bear” implants, maintain their shape even if the shell breaks. They’re available in various levels of stiffness, allowing for customisation based on your needs and preferences.

Capsule Formation

When you have breast implants inserted, your body recognises them as foreign objects. In response, it forms a protective layer of scar tissue around each implant, known as the capsule. This capsule is your body’s natural way of isolating the implant from surrounding tissues.

The capsule plays an important role in supporting the implant and holding it in place. It acts like an internal “bra” for your implant. In some cases, some surgeons may even add artificial collagen to enhance this support, especially in reconstructive procedures.

The thickness and characteristics of the capsule can vary depending on factors such as implant placement and surface texture. Implants placed under the muscle often develop thinner capsules, while those in front of the muscle tend to have thicker ones.

Normal Implant Lifespan

You should know that breast implants are not lifetime devices. While they’re designed to be long-lasting and safe, they may need replacement or removal at some point. On average, today’s implants can last more than a decade, with the chance of rupture increasing by about one percent each year.

After ten years, there’s approximately a 90 percent chance that your implant will still be intact. However, various factors can affect an implant’s lifespan, including trauma, manufacturing defects, and natural wear over time.

Regular monitoring is important to ensure the longevity and safety of your implants. Annual check-ups and self-examinations can help you spot potential issues early.

Early Warning Signs of Potential Rupture

Recognising the early warning signs of a ruptured breast implant is important for your health and well-being. The symptoms can vary depending on whether you have saline or silicone implants, and it’s important to be aware of these differences.

Changes in Breast Shape

One of the most noticeable signs of a ruptured breast implant is a change in breast shape. With saline implants, you might experience a sudden loss in breast size, which can occur within 2 to 3 days after the implant sustains damage. This happens because the saline solution leaks out and is absorbed by the surrounding tissue.

For silicone implants, changes in shape might be more subtle and occur over time. Your body may try to contain any leaking silicone gel by forming scar tissue around it, known as ‘granulomas’ or ‘siliconoma’. This can lead to the development of a hard capsule or contracture, causing your breast to appear misshapen or deformed.

Unusual Sensations

You might experience various unusual sensations if you have a ruptured breast implant. These can include:

• Ongoing ache or pain in your breast
• Tenderness
• Numbness or changes in sensation

Pain can result from the implant material pushing against normal breast tissue and underlying muscle, or from inflammation. In some cases, you might feel a burning sensation or occasional sharp pains, which can be signs of nerve regeneration.

It’s worth noting that numbness is common after breast augmentation surgery and can last for several weeks or months. However, persistent sensory changes should be discussed with your surgeon.

Systemic Symptoms

Additionally, systemic symptoms may include fatigue, fever, and general malaise, as the body responds to potential inflammation or infection. In some cases, a silicone implant rupture could lead to silicone leakage, causing systemic reactions like skin rashes or joint pain. It’s crucial for individuals with breast implants to monitor for these symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if they suspect a rupture, as early detection can help mitigate complications.

If you notice any of these early warning signs, do not panic. In most cases, with early detection and treatment, the symptoms are manageable. However, you should contact your plastic surgeon immediately if you experience severe pain, fever, widespread redness, or an offensive discharge from the wound. These could be signs of infection, which may require prompt medical attention.

Keep in mind that regular monitoring and self-examinations are key to catching potential problems early.

Download Dr. Guy Watts’ Guide to Breast Augmentation

Guide To Breast Augmentation

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Regular Monitoring after Breast Implants Surgery

Regular monitoring of your breast implants is important to ensure their longevity and your overall health. By staying vigilant, you can detect potential issues early, including ruptured breast implants, and take appropriate action. Here’s what you need to know about keeping a close eye on your implants:

Self-examinations

Self-examinations are a vital part of monitoring your breast implants. By performing these checks regularly, you’ll become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, making it easier to spot any changes. Here’s how to do a self-exam:

• Lie down to spread the breast tissue evenly over your chest.
• Use three fingers to examine your entire breast in circular motions.
• Pay attention to the sides, carefully pressing under the edge of the implant.
• Do a visual inspection to check for any changes in shape or appearance.

Make self-exams a monthly routine, ideally on the same day each month. If you notice anything unusual, such as lumps, changes in breast shape, or persistent pain, contact your doctor promptly.

Routine Check-ups

Regular visits to your plastic surgeon or breast specialist are essential for maintaining the health of your breast implants. These check-ups allow professionals to assess the condition of your implants and address any concerns you may have.

During these appointments, your doctor will perform a thorough examination, which may include:

• Taking a detailed history of your implants and any symptoms you’ve experienced
• Conducting a physical examination of your breasts
• Discussing any changes you’ve noticed
• Recommending further imaging if necessary

It’s recommended to have these check-ups at least every few years, even if you’re not experiencing any problems. Remember, breast implants have a limited lifespan, and the risk of complications, such as rupture, increases after the first decade.

Surgical Intervention for Ruptured Implants

When you’re dealing with a ruptured breast implant, surgical intervention becomes necessary to address the issue and ensure your health and well-being. The procedure to remove or replace ruptured implants is known as explantation. This process involves careful consideration of various factors and options to achieve the best possible outcome.

Explantation Procedures

Explantation procedures can be carried out in different ways, depending on your specific situation and the plastic surgeon’s recommendation. The most common approaches include:

• Removal of the breast implant only: This is a relatively simple and quick procedure where your plastic surgeon removes the ruptured implant without addressing the surrounding capsule.
• Removal of the breast implant with capsulectomy: This more involved procedure includes removing both the implant and the capsule that has formed around it. The capsule is separated from the surrounding tissues, which may require extending the incision to provide better access.
• En-bloc capsulectomy: This technique involves removing the breast implant and the capsule as a single unit. It’s often recommended when there’s a concern about silicone leakage or the presence of biofilm (bacteria or fungus) between the implant and the capsule.

Your plastic surgeon will discuss these options with you and recommend the most appropriate approach based on your individual case.

Options after Breast Implant Removal

After explantation, you have several options to consider:

• No other procedure: Some women choose to remain flat after implant removal.
• Fat grafting: This technique uses your own fat, typically harvested from areas like the abdomen or thighs, to restore volume to the breasts.
• Breast lift (mastopexy): This procedure can help change the shape and position of your breasts after implant removal.
• Implant replacement: If you wish to maintain your breast size, new implants can be inserted to replace the ruptured ones.

FAQs about Breast Implant Rupture

How should a ruptured breast implant be managed?

• If a silicone breast implant ruptures, whether it’s contained within the capsule or has breached it, it is advisable to have it removed due to potential interactions with surrounding tissues and the possibility of spreading to nearby lymph nodes. It is also recommended to consider replacing it with a newer model of either silicone or saline implant.

What is the recommended duration to leave a ruptured breast implant in place?

• A ruptured silicone breast implant poses significant health risks and should ideally be removed promptly. In cases where both breasts have implants and only one has ruptured, it is often suggested to remove both implants.

What are the effects on the body following a breast implant rupture?

• Following the rupture of a silicone gel-filled breast implant, you might observe a reduction in breast size, alterations in the shape of the implant, or the formation of hard lumps around the implant or chest area. Other symptoms could include an asymmetrical appearance of the breasts, pain or tenderness, and changes in sensation such as tingling, swelling, numbness, or burning.

Is it necessary to visit the emergency room immediately for a ruptured breast implant?

• For silicone implants, you should address the issue promptly; however, it is not considered an emergency that requires immediate ER intervention. After implant placement, the body naturally forms a scar tissue capsule around it, which is a common occurrence.

Further Reading about Breast Implants

• Read more about How Can I Enlarge My Breasts?
• Read more about What Are the Most Natural Looking Breast Implants?
• Read more about What Is Upper Pole Fullness?
• Read more about Choosing the Right Breast Implant Shape – Round Vs Teardrop
• Read more about Surgical Solutions to Get Firmer Breasts

Medical References for Breast Implant Rupture

• Breast Implant Rupture: Signs and Treatments
• Untreated silicone breast implant rupture
• Management of Capsular Contracture in Cases of Silicone Gel Breast Implant Rupture with Use of Pulse Lavage and Open Capsulotomy
• Silicone breast implant rupture: a review
• A retrospective analysis of ruptured breast implants