How Can I Definitively Determine That I Have a Slow Leak in my Saline Implant?

Question

I have saline implants. Over the past few months one breast has gotten smaller than the other and I think I have a slow leak. I had an MRI but the radiologist said there wasn't a leak. I didn't think MR imaging would be able to show a saline leak. Are there other tests or imaging that can identify a saline leak? My PS said my implants were intact but I know one breast has definitely gotten smaller. What should I do and what other questions should I ask?

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

Saline breast implants could on occasion have a very slow leak, although once saline implants start to leak they eventually completely deflate.  MRI would not be necessary to assess saline implants, but once you have them, it could be helpful in assessing if there is significant volume discrepancy.  Your surgeon should be able to tell if you have a partially deflated saline implant, as it has a different feel.  Ultimately, the most important factor is whether asymmetry bothers you enough to undergo another surgery.

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

It's a great question. If saline implants leak, they simply deflate, your body absorbs the saline fluid, and there are no issues. You should see a noticeable difference in your breasts over just a few days.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. 

	Leakage of saline breast implants usually becomes obvious over time;  the breast tends to become smaller and breast implants softer and/or demonstrates more rippling. Your plastic surgeon will be able to make the diagnosis upon examination. No radiographic studies are necessary.

	If the implant appears to be filled,  another explanation may be that it has shifted causing the breast to appear smaller visually.

	I hope this helps.

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

When saline implants leak, they generally result in a "flat tire" effect. Occasionally, I have seen slow leaks from around the implant fill valve or from a pinhole defect. Although most saline implants will inevitably deflate, they may not deflate completely. Make sure that you have waited at least three months from your initial operation before you make any rash decisions. Occasionly, swelling can subside more quickly in one breast than the other. However, if you are very sure that your implant is delated, it should be removed and replaced.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Jellybean,

	Who told you to get an MRI?  That was a waist of money and an inappropriate use of resources.  Saline implants generally will get smaller with time (usually days, but sometimes weeks) and become very obviously deflated.  If your plastic surgeon says they are in tact, I would trust him. If he was the one who ordered the MRI, go to another doctor for a second opinion (which might require two visits, a week or two apart so that he can assess changes.)

	There can be other reasons why your breast(s) appears smaller, and patients can be deceived into thinking their breasts are either larger or smaller, when in fact something else is going on like implant migration, tissue stretch, or capsular contracture.

	Best of luck.

How Can I Definitively Determine That I Have a Slow Leak in my Saline Implant?

Answers (7)

Answer: Symptomatic Rupture of Saline Implants

Answer: Symptomatic Rupture of Saline Implants

Answer: Saline Implants

Answer: Saline Implants

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How Can I Definitively Determine That I Have a Slow Leak in my Saline Implant?

Answers (7)

Answer: Symptomatic Rupture of Saline Implants

Answer: Symptomatic Rupture of Saline Implants

Answer: Saline Implants

Answer: Saline Implants

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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.