Signs of Leaking Breast Implants

These do not sound like signs of leaking from a saline implant.  However, they could be associated with leaking from a silicone implant.  You need to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon, and possibly get an MRI if you have silicone implants.  Either way, it is always best to have someone examine you if you are having problems.

If you lie flat and you have implants, if you feel that the implant migrates to the sides of the breasts, you might have something known as implant malposition. This typically occurs when the pocket stretches, or maybe the muscle forces the implant down and out, stretches the pocket, lateralizing the implant position. This means you may need revisionary surgery, tighten the pocket, move the breast implant more medially and secure the breast implant. If you have breast lump, please see your doctor to get that evaluated by an ultrasound or mammogram to rule out anything bad.

Diagnosing breast implant rupture without imaging studies is very difficult. I recommend visiting your plastic surgeon, who would probably ask for an ultrasound or MRI to check integrity of both implants.

It's a great question. The answer really depends on what type of implants you have. If saline implants leak, they simply deflate, your body absorbs the saline fluid, and there are no issues. It's important to know that the latest generation of silicone implants are made of a solid silicone gel, so they don't leak out if the shell were to break. This is an important safety feature. Older liquid silicone can cause irritation of the tissues when it leaks out around the implant. If you suspect a rupture, it's important to contact a board-certified plastic surgeon so that you can be seen in person. They will examine you and may order imaging (typically an MRI).

The perceived presence of a lump after a #breastaugmentation is a potentially serious matter that should not be ignored. With silicone implants you will need an MRI to determine if your implants have been compromised.  For saline implants, you can typically tell by a physical assessment as the breasts will be asymmetrical in size/shape.   Schedule a follow up appointment with your surgeon for evaluation of your breasts to determine if you are indeed experiencing an implant rupture or another health concern.