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Saline Breast Implants Leaking

I have saline implants placed 2002. Yesterday, I notice my left breast was soft and shrinking. Consequently, I also experience a post nasal drip of salt in my throat. The left is smaller and softer than my right. This A.M. I haven't experience any difference. What are all my options, could I exercise?

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17 Doctor Answers | Asked by Judie in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Leaking breast implant options

Thanks for your question. As the other physicians have mentioned the salty taste in your mouth and your saline implants are unrelated. There is no way for leaking saline to get to your nose or mouth. The saline is simply absorbed by the tissue around the implant pocket. Implant ruptures should be evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon. Usually, saline breast implants will not exhibit slow leaks but will leak like a ruptured balloon (very quickly). This will usually result in... more

It seems you have a deflating saline implant.

It sounds as though your implant is deflating. It is not related to your post-nasal drip however. You should visit a board certified plastic surgeon to have this confirmed and discuss your options. You should be able to exercise; however, sometimes women will notice the implant 'poking' them and this may be uncomfortable.

Have your implants and breasts examined

The salty taste in your mouth and your breast implants are unrelated. If your breasts are noticeable smaller and softer to the point of concern for you cosmetically, then you should check with your surgeon to see if the implants leaking is the cause. You can still exercise since a leaking saline implant is not a danger to your breast or health. Basically, if your saline implants are not giving you the size and shape satisfaction you desire, then you might want to change them regardless of if... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

You might have a breast implant deflation

You should visit a plastic surgeon soon and have the implants checked. It sounds as though you have a left sided deflation happening. It is not causing the nasal symptoms and you can certainly exercise until you find out what is going on. A saline deflation is totally harmless to your health.

Saline Breast Implants Leaking

Usually a saline breast implant leaks fully right away such as a deflated balloon. You will sometimes feel a burning sensation in the deflated breast. This deflation is not related to any taste sensation in your mouth. If you do suspect a leak you should go to your Plastic Surgeon and be examined to see if you need a replacement.

Breast implant deflation

Based on the information you provided, it sounds as if you may have a deflation on the left side. I would recommend consulting with your plastic surgeon as soon as possible to examine you and discuss the best possible options for you. If a deflation is involved, revisionary surgery may be necessary to address the issue. Usually, the implant corporations provide a warranty for the implant if there is a malfunction or defect responsible for the deflation. Regarding exercise, the deflation... more

Leaking silicone implants do not cause remote problems and can be replaced at any time.

Your nasopharyngeal are coincidental with the failure of the saline implant, not the result of it. The saline implant will ultimately lose all of its volume so exercise is not contraindicated. Replacement may done at your convenience.

Most women choose replacement for leaking Saline implants

Judie, Your options are: leave as is replace now replace later remove Most women choose replacement. The deflation of a saline implant is typically easy to notice by loss of volume, collapse and rippling over one to a few days time. The saline solution used is the same that is given through an IV drip if you've ever had one for hydration, delivery or a hospital stay. Replacement of a deflated saline implant is typically a short surgery with recovery that is easier than the initial... more

If it is leaking, then you need to have the implant replaced.

Judie, If your implant is leaking, then it should be replaced. There really is no restriction on your activity, since if there is a leak, there is nothing short of replacing the implant that can be done. You should go back to your surgeon for a consultation and set up surgery.

Leaking saline implants are often obvious

When a saline implant begins to leak, it is often quite obvious. There is usally a marked diifference in the size of both breasts. If you are not sure, I would talk to your Plastic surgeon. The taste of saline in the back of your throat is unrelated to implant leakage. Exercise is fine.

Your leaking saline implant should be replaced ASAP.

To Judie, Hi! Of course a leaking implant is not dangerous. But here is the reason it should be replaced right away. As the implant slowly gets smaller, the implant POCKET shrinks around it. If you replace the implant BEFORE the pocket has shrunk, it is a very simple operation; the pocket is fine and you don't have to do any internal cutting. You just put in a new implant. But if you wait, and the pocket shrinks, then you have to recreate the pocket, which is like doing the breast... more

Salt in the nose is not related!

When saline implants fail, it is usally quite noticeable in 48 hours. There will be very prominent rippling and a size change for sure. You would not feel any dramatic symptoms nor taste salt anywhere. It is best to have your breast examined by your surgeon if there is abny concern.

Sounds like deflation

Hi there- If you think that your implant is losing volume over time, you probably do have a deflation occurring. This would not cause the salty taste you noticed, and it should not be harmful in any way for you to exercise. The best thing to do would be to schedule an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon soon. Saline implant deflations are in no way harmful to your health, but once the implant loses its volume the capsule may begin to contract, so while not an emergency, I... more

Your options are...

It sounds like you are experiencing a "slow" leak. I have not encountered many of these leaks percentage wise (in my practice, ~98% are quick leaks- that is, total or near total deflation over night). I think that the post nasal drip with salty taste is a red herring here. You have two options do nothing or do something surgical. Your surgical choices include removal of both implants (explantation), exchange of the ruptured implant, or exchange of both implants. I would urge you... more

Your breast implant is most likely deflated

You most likely have a deflation of your breast implant. I would suggest seeing your surgeon and get evaluated. If he is unsure, an ultrasound is a simple test.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Clinical exam and imaging study will diagnose leaking implants

A leaking saline implant will show well. My patients like to call it a "flat tire-like." You will notice a major asymmetry between both sides. If your implant is leaking, the saline will be absorbed by the body. An imaging study and the clinical exam of a board certified plastic surgeon will be able to diagnose the leak. Hope that helps.

Saline implant deflation

You very likely have a left breast saline implant deflation. It is not related to your post nasal drip symptoms. The deflation is not harmful as your body resorbs the saline and the volume of your implant decreases. That is why you notice the left breast getting smaller. You can continue all your activities including exercise. If you are concerned about your asymmetry until you seek treatment, you can wear padding on the left side to help you feel more comfortable in clothing. Although this... more