If a breast implant is leaking or has ruptured, is it dangerous?

Question

I have breast implants and had them fitted about 7 years ago. I had some pain in my chest the other day and then it went so thought nothing more. I have woke up today and one side looks lower than the other by quite a lot. I am concerned as I go away in 20 days on a flight and don't want to fly if it's ruptured or is leaking in case it is dangerous???

Ron Soltero, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Patient:  My first question to you would be: What type of Implant do you have? Saline or Silicone?  if its Saline Implants, these implants are pre-filled, meaning they have a small valve through which the saline solution is inserted.  These type of implants tend to loose about 1% of their volume per year.  If you noticed one of the implants has "deflated" you should definitively call your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon right away and have him examine you.  If on the other hand you have Silicon Gel Implants, these implants should not "deflate"  If you feel one of them is significantly smaller than the other, again you should make an appointment with your plastic surgeon and have him examine you to make sure there is no "encapsulation" or a possible rupture of the implant.  Hope this helps.  Always go to Board Certified Plastic Surgeons to have these issues taken care of.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Rupture without some type of trauma is unlikely. Pain can indicate capsular contracture. Please see your surgeon for an exam and do not rely on internet advice. You need an exam in person.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Online consultants cannot diagnose your problem without an exam.  I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon as soon as possible for an evaluation.  I would have the implants removed or replaced if they are ruptured.

If a breast implant is leaking or has ruptured, is it dangerous?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

If a breast implant is leaking or has ruptured, is it dangerous?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.