What Are the Complications from Leaking Breast Implants?

I had my first saline implant on 2000. Last July 2007, I had my first mammogram and the technician repeated the procedure 6 times despite informing her of my implants.

When I got the result, it was noted that there is a leak from the implant. That was almost 2 yrs ago, and I've had this anxiety of complications from the leak. Please let me know what is best to do. Thank you

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by melissa10 in Union City CA

Doctor Answers (10)
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Ruptured Silicone? Saline? Combo?

This is confusing. When saline implants leak they deflate and leak. Eventually, they become flat like a flat tire and usually it is very very obvious. The exception is a partial leak; leaks only when it is compressed or a double lumen implant that is part saline and part silicone. The saline may have leaked but the silicone is intact. Lastly, you could be mistaken and it could be a silicone implant. However, ruptures are difficult to diagnose accurately with mammograms and usually... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

It's just IV fluid

There is absolutely no risk to your health from a leaking saline breast implant. The contents are just IV fluid and will be absorbed by your body and urinated out. The empty implant shell is also of no harm to you but is best removed and replaced.

Saline implant leak

A leak from a saline implant shows up as a defalted breast. The saline is basically sterile salt water and the body absorbs it. This is very simple to detect in most cases.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Saline leak is very benign

If your implants are saline there is nothing to worry about from a leak as the implant will deflate completely over time. It is highly unlikely that your implant has been leaking for 2 years. I recommend that you let a board certified plastic surgeon examine you to rule out any implant problems. If you have gel it is a different story and you will need an imaging study (ultrasound or MRI).

Leaking Saline or Silicone Gel: Makes a difference

Melissa10: Leaking saline or silicone gel makes a difference. Saline: There are no complications from leaking saline. It is filled with the same fluid you receive when having an IV for dehydration or medical procedure. You would normally be able to see an obvious difference in implant size and often feel the deflated empty implant. Silicone gel: Gel leakage within the natural scar capsule appears to only cause increased chance of capsular contracture (hardening) and calcium... more

I don't think you have a leak

Usually, when saline implants fail, they deflate fairly rapidly and you will notice changes. Smaller size and rippling are quite noticeable. There are slower leaks that take longer, but I think in 2 years you should see a difference by now. Mammograms are not a good way to diagnose and failed implant, especially saline. When Saline devices fail, the saline is absorbed into the body and is safe. It is the same as getting Intravenous saline. .

Leak from saline implant usually obvious

The report doesn't make sense to me. Since saline is a liquid, if there is a leak then the implant completely deflates almost always. In any case, saline is the same fluid that is in an IV, so it is harmlessly absorbed into the body. And if there is a deflation, then you should be eligible for a replacement implant from the manufacturer.

There are no health issues.

Hi! If you have a leaking saline implant, one breast must be much smaller than the other! Even if you have a leaking silicone implants, it is only a local problem because silicone does not cause any diseases. So, don't worry. You just need to have the implant replaced and the implant pocket re-created to obtain good symmetry. If in fact you have saline implants, you might consider replacing both with silicone implants.

No complications from leaking implants

Ruptured saline implants will not cause any complications other than the breasts becoming smaller. It is a relatively easy procedure to replace the implants. Depending on the age of your implants you may be eligible for warranty coverage. Check with your surgeon.

Saline Breast Implant leak poses no health risks

If you have Saline Breast implants there is no health risk of a leak. However, if you have had a leak of a Saline breast Implant you should notice a smaller breast on the side of the leak. If your breasts have remained the same size, and you do have saline breast implants, then it is unlikely that you have a leak. If I misread your question and you in fact have Silicone gel implants, then an MRI is necessary to document the leak. Long term studies have failed to show a correlation between... more