Doctor Doesn't Think It's an Implant Leak

asked 1 year ago by vidasdestino in Tennessee
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 676 times
Tags: leak

I believe I have a leak but the surgeon I visited said she doesn’t think I have one. Her initial statement was that it looks like I have thin skin, which I do. But what would make one side visibly smaller and lighter, so much where I have to pad my bra? I have Inamed 420 saline implants placed under the muscle. Can these implants leak and seal themselves? The implant is smaller than it was in June. I can almost squeeze the implant and have my fingers touch in the middle.

9 answers to Doctor Doesn't Think It's an Implant Leak

Breast implant deflation or leak

Implants can rupture or leak (fast or slow). These implants may take time to deflate and may only do so as pressure is exerted on the implants. From your description it sounds as if you have a slow leak.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Implant leak

If you think that the breast is smaller, then more than likely you have a leak. A sonogram may show a difference in the volume of the implant but a physical exam should really give the answer.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Leak until proven otherwise.

The is a significant decrease in volume. I agree with the other surgeons that an ultrasound would prove useful to confirm a leak. Depending on the type of warranty you have on the implants some of the cost of replacement could be offset. Dr. ES

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant Leaking

You have sever rippling and ptosis of your breast. It is difficult to definitely say you have a leak but if I have to bet on it I would say you do. The best way to tell is to see if the breast has decreased in size over time. Some leaks are so small that they deflate very slowly over time. If we could see the other side it would be easier to say. Good luck.

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

You do not have leaking implants

Your picture show sever rippling of the implant and also thinning of the skin. From the picture you have saline implants above the muscle. The common long term results from the saline implants above the muscle is thinning of the skin and breast tissue as you have. You need to have silicone implants if the rippling is an issue. Saline implants do not have partial leak.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Saline implant leaks can be confirmed with ultrasound

If you have experienced a rapid change in breast volume, and have the changes in implant 'feel'- then its reasonable to assume that you have a leaking saline implant. An ultrasound could probably confirm this. You could also wait a couple of weeks and observe the implant deflating even more. Follow up with a board certified plastic surgeon for replacement of the leaking implant. This might be an opportunity to switch to newer cohesive silicone gel implants !!

Scott Sattler, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

? Implant deflation

It does appear that you have a saline implant deflation but without the benefit of seeing your other breast and performing an exam it is difficult to definatively say. If this is a change in your breast over a relatively short period of time and this breast is a lot more "sqeezable" than the other, this also points towards a deflation. I would return to your plastic surgeon to see if more definative studies such as the ultrasound as previously suggested are needed. Dr Edwards.... more

Michael C. Edwards, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

www.medwardsmd.com

Leaking implant?

You should have photoed both sides for our comparison but from what I see and what you say, it looks like a leak has occurred. You could get an ultrasound to confirm.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Is THIS a leaking Saline Breast Implant

While I sympathize with your frustration with your surgeon, I do not entirely understand it. Your photograph is of ONE not both breasts. This effectively precludes any comparison and breast symmetry judgements. A saline implant does NOT seal. It gradually deflates but never achieves its original volume. From my point of view, I fail to see why your surgeon's agreement that the implant IS deflated is of so much importance. You have a very substandard breast result with sagging,... more