Breast Implant Rupture Repair Surgery
Both saline and silicone breast implants have a risk of rupture. While most implants can last for 10 years or longer without leaking or any problems, ruptures can occur, especially if the implant is punctured or impacted. At Vantage Plastic Surgery, our top cosmetic breast surgeon, Dr. Aleksandr Shteynberg, can perform breast implant rupture repair surgery at our clinics in New York City.
Signs of Breast Implant Ruptures
The symptoms of a breast implant rupture can vary, depending on the type of implant. Saline implants are a saline solution in a silicone shell. If these implants rupture or leak, the saline simply leaks out of the shell and is absorbed by the body. The main sign of rupture with saline implants is a deflation of the breast as the implant flattens.
With silicone breast implants, the signs of rupture may be less obvious. Silicone implants have a silicone gel inside a silicone shell. The gel is not absorbed by the body but may leak outside of the shell. The breast may change shape and patients may experience pain, redness or swelling around the breast. The breast may also become harder or experience capsular contracture.
Breast implants can rupture due to impact or puncture, but they may also leak due to wear and tear. It is recommended that individuals with breast implants, especially silicone, have them examined every few years to detect silent ruptures that may occur.
Removing Ruptured Breast Implants
Once a breast implant ruptures, it needs to be replaced. It is usually recommended that both implants are replaced, even if only one implant is ruptured. Dr. Shteynberg can perform the surgery through the same incision or scar as the original surgery to eliminate new scarring. Before the surgery, Dr. Shteynberg will discuss what type of implant replacement will be used and any other changes that may be needed during the surgery. Some patients may decide not to get new implants and could need a breast reconstruction to reshape the breast once the implants are removed.