I had an implant rupture. What are signs of infection and when should I seek medical attention?

Leaking/ruptured  implants generally do not cause an infection. If you feel this is the case or if your implants are more than 10 years old then you should see a plastic surgeon for a consultation. Our own bodies give out with time as does our cars and just about everything else in life and so is the case for implants. For silicone implants prior to 2006, ruptures occur at rates of approximately 1-2% per year for the first ten years then markedly increases after that time period. A rupture or deflation of the implant may be experienced at any point after the initial augmentation; this complication may be increased by an under-filling or overfilling of saline solution into the implant, excessive compression, trauma, and other causes. (If the implant shell if not filled with the correct amount of saline, there may be a crease or fold in the shell which often leads to a rupture). You will be able to self-diagnose the need for an implant exchange (if using a saline implant) because if the current implant ruptures, the breast will shrink to approximately its preoperative size. A silicone implant that has a rupture is usually noted on a routine mammogram or MRI scan. In either case although the situation needs to be corrected on a timely basis, it is not dangerous to your health from our current knowledge base. Silicone implants after 2006 are more cohesive and less likely to leak or have silicone migration. Signs of infection are redness, swelling, pain, fever. You should seek medical attention right away. 

If you know that your implant is ruptured, most surgeons would suggest that you have the implant removed. Although leaving a ruptured implant in the body does not necessarily cause any medical or health issues, removal of the implant is still recommended.  If you develop pain or signs of infection, you absolutely should seek medical attention. 

If you think your implant is ruptured, you should seek the attention of a local plastic surgeon to make sure everythign is ok.