Will a "Ideal" brand saline implant flatten right away if ruptured?

Question

I had breast surgery 3 years ago. I was recently in a bad car accident, went to the hospital, they did several scans & informed me both implants were ruptured. They have images & i have the note saying from the hospital. They told me it was an emergency rupture. My plastic surgeon said because my implants weren't completely flattened, he does not feel comfortable with revision. Does this seem right? How long until pin hole ruptures flatten implant?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear RSMember17076,
in case of rupture of saline implant, saline will leak and implant size will reduce. It is important to remove or replace ruptured implant. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Saline implants can deflate slowly depending upon the size of the rupture.  Over time you will notice that the affected breast will become smaller.  The saline that the implant is filled with will be absorbed by your body without risk to you.  The removal of the saline implant is not an emergency, but should be done when conveniently possible.  You do not have to wait until the implants are completely deflated before having the revision.

Ashley Thorburn, MD · Answer

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saltwater solution, and if they rupture or leak, the saline is typically absorbed by the body harmlessly. When a saline implant ruptures, it usually deflates relatively quickly, and the affected breast may appear noticeably smaller or flattened.The speed at which a saline implant deflates can vary depending on factors such as the size of the rupture, the implant's shell integrity, and the individual's body. In some cases, the deflation can be quite rapid, while in others, it may occur more slowly.If you suspect that your breast implant has ruptured, it's essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or a healthcare professional specializing in breast implants. They can evaluate your situation, recommend appropriate tests (such as imaging studies), and discuss your options for implant removal or replacement.Keep in mind that the information provided here is for general knowledge, and specific details about your situation should be discussed with a qualified medical professional who can provide personalized guidance and advice.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Not all saline implants completely deflate when ruptured, and less so with the Ideal implants.  However, deflation is easy to detect since that breast is smaller. X-rays may show nothing wrong with the implants that are deflated somewhat, or may show "deflation" when none has occurred.  You can always tell by the change in size of the breast. The body just absorbs any leaked saline. Exchanging a deflated implant is not an emergency procedure and can be done once you have healed from the wreck.

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!After saline implant rupture, you will note a decrease in breast size over a day or two. It will be noticeable in a bra. The saline will be harmlessly absorbed by the body. There may be a small amount of residual saline within the implant after rupture, but not to a significant degree. There are no "silent ruptures" of saline implants. Implant rupture will be confirmed with MRI.Best wishes...

Will a "Ideal" brand saline implant flatten right away if ruptured?

Answers (5)

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

Answer: How rapid is saline implant deflation after rupture?

Answer: How rapid is saline implant deflation after rupture?

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Will a "Ideal" brand saline implant flatten right away if ruptured?

Answers (5)

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

Answer: How rapid is saline implant deflation after rupture?

Answer: How rapid is saline implant deflation after rupture?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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