Are saline implants weaker over time? and more likely to rupture?

I have 13yr old saline under muscle implants, I know they are currently not ruptured but it seems they have lost some saline? and they are not as full/firm as they once were. Is it possible for saline to leak/seap out without a rupture? and my original question is; are my implants more fragile as they age, should I avoid "rigorous activity" thank you for your help. JB

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leak saline implants 10 years post-op

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by bazza

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Breast Implants and Rupture

All breast implants are not life-time devices. All breast implants age and will likely rupture or leak. All the major breast implant companies have warranties that you should be informed of prior to your surgery. Changing a leaking implant is typically a simple procedure with minimal to no downtime.

Leaking Saline Implants

Regarding your activity, I would not change any of your activities. Saline implants and silicone implants have a similar shell made out of vulcanized silicone. Saline implants have a valve to fill the implant with silicone. That valve may have leakage of saline over time (salt water) and the fullness of the implant may seem to be less. It is not a health threat the salt water is like IV fluid. Also over time saline implants may develop rippling or folds more then silicone implants due and... more

Saline implants seem smaller

I have a had quite a few patients who have presented with similar questions. Assuming you havent ruptured with a small leak (which would take 2 to 3 weeks on average to nearly completely deflate), the reason your breasts may seem smaller and less firm is you have likely "lost" some breast tissue. The implants are likely unchanged. As far as activity, do what you normally would do. At some point the implant may break and you will need them to be replaced but you shouldnt lead your life... more

Paul Wigoda, MD

4 reviews

Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgeon

drwigoda.com

Saline implants

I would say that the older the implants, the more likely they could rupture, but I would not live my life worrying about it.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Strength of Saline vs Silicone Breast Implants

The difference in the strength of the shell of silicone vs saline breast implants depends on when they were made, not what kind of implant it is. Those made around the same time generally have equal shell strength. However, there is some evidence that silicone implants may rupture more frequently. This, however, is probably not due to the strength of the outer shell, but how they were placed. Since saline implants can be placed deflated with no need to push them into the pocket,... more

Avoiding Activity with Implants

Although implant shells may weaken over time and rupture, activity should not be altered. Live your life. If they rupture, they can be replaced.

Are Saline Implants weaker over time?

If you have a leak, you will notice that within 24 hours. I would not let that thought keep me from my normal activities. See a Plastic Surgeon for a breast check to put your mind at ease.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD

4 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Are saline implants weaker over time?

Usually, when saline implants develop a leak, they deflate quickly, usually within 24 hours. After 13 years it is more likely that you have less breast tissue than that the implants have a slow leak. Most implant leaks we see have no obvious cause related to activity. I think it would be a mistake to alter your level of activities out or fear of rupturing the implants. Thanks, all the best.