Signs of Leaking Breast Implants

A saline implant will lose volume when leaking, so this is fairly evident although the implants may not collapse completely. A silicone implant leak is more difficult to detect. In fact, one of the biggest dilemmas we have as plastic surgeons is when we are faced with the so-called "silent leak." As the name implies, the leak is undetectible clinical since there may be no change in shape, size, or texture. An implant has a greater chance of leaking the longer it has been implanted... more

Good question - The first question is do you have silicone or saline implants. Generally saline implant leaks are easier to detect than silicone leaks. Signs can include: Change in shape Change in volume Associated trauma Findings on ultrasound Findings on MRI For individuals with silicone isolated lumps, redness and pain can be associated with local silicone leaking and the body's reaction to free silicone. It is important to realize that it is possible, even with strong signs of implant... more

You didn't mention if your implants are silicone or saline, but by your description, it sounds like they are gel. First, it is easy to tell if a saline implant is leaking.....the breast becomes flatter, without the upper pole fullness the implant once provided.  Sometimes the breast will droop because of the loss of volume. It is a "cosmetic emergency", not a medical emergency. A silicone leak is more difficult to assess.  It may be... more

A ruptured saline implant deflates like popping a water balloon.  This almost always occurs right away. Ruptured silicone implants rarely cause any signs of symptoms, but they may cause a contracture.

If you have saline implants and there's a leak, you would know within a day or so. Your breast will decrease in size, and there will be an asymmetry between both breasts. If you are experiencing pain and firmness of your breasts, it is possible you have a capsular contracture. I would suggest you make an appointment to see your surgeon.

Hello, If your implanted breasts feel like hard lumps, you might have some capsular contracture or scar tissue around them. I would recommend you see your surgeon to see what he or she might suggest.

Saline implants that are leaking are easier to diagnose than silicone implants. In general, if there is a significant leak, you will know it in a day or so, because you will have a smalled deflated breast. There are cases where the leak can be small enough that the deflation will take place over a month or so. What you are describing does not sound like a deflation to me. Not certain what you are describing, but unlikely a deflation. Hope that helps.

Breast implant leaks can easily be detected if they are saline. The breast will just shrink down. A gel implant is different. If the leak is within the capsule surrounding the implant it may be hard to detect on physical exam. If the leak goes beyond the capsule, it may appear flatter than the other breast. The best way to detect a leak for gel implants is by obtaining an MRI.

Saline implants may rupture. Typically, this is seen as an immediate deflation in the size and projection of the breast. Silicone implant ruptures are also possible. In this case, the rupture cannot always be detected by exam based on whether the rupture is intracapsular or extracapsular. This defines whether the rupture extends outside of the breast implant capsule. There also can be a capsular contracture, that can occur with longstanding rupture or without. In this case, the capsule... more