My right saline implant ruptured or had a slight leak some time ago. I had my surgery 8 years ago, and my surgeon is in another state some 2000 miles away. How long can I live with this deflated saline implant in my body before it causes harm? Should I have it replaced or removed immediately?
Hello,
When a ruptured saline implant is left in place, the pocket in which that implant sits tends to close down. It can be opened again at surgery, but may not heal as well the second time around. For this reason , I recommend earlier as opposed to later replacement optimally within weeks of the rupture.
Best Regards
Researchers don't know the long-term inherent health risks and it is possible that a ruptured implant may have an increased chance of infection. In addition (as mentioned above) as time goes on, your body will start closing the space that the implant had formed and make it more difficult to get the implant out or back into the same place. The good news is that a saline implant is made from the same type of saline that is already in your body, and the liquid alone shouldn't have an affect on your health.
I would recommend getting it replaced as soon as possible to lower your risk for any complications.
