What causes a silicone implant to shrink?

Hello,Silicone gel implants don't shrink. Your tissue can though. Your surgeon is right, no need to worry about your implants shrinking, even if they were ruptured, there is no net loss of volume. Best of luck!

Thanks for posting.  Great question!First of all, silicone implants do not shrink.  They can become disrupted by trauma or through mechanical failure where the silicone implant itself may lose integrity but this volume never goes away. If you are losing volume in your breasts then that is directly related to changes in your breasts themselves and not the actual implants.  If however your breast shape is not as optimal as it once was, you may have some disruption of your implants.  To detect that, you would need to have either an ultrasound or MRI examination.  If the implant is disrupted, then it should probably be replaced with a new implant but there are not negative health affects associated with this.  I hope that helps and wish you the very best!-Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

I am sorry you are having difficulties with your augmentation.  Silicone does not really break down (different from saline that when ruptured diffuses out into the body and is absorbed like water).  So, the volume from silicone should appear to stay stable.  However, the way the silicone is held in the tissue can change if there is a rupture of the implant wall and the silicone shifts within your implant pocket (or even to the outside of it).  So, the implant could appear more irregular and perhaps not as prominent.  Physical exam can sometimes tip us off to a rupture but an MRI can often help us to confirm it.  Weight loss can indeed lead to loss of volume and skin laxity.  So, if you have lost a good amount of weight then, you may be seeing the effects of that.  But, if the implant is irregular to touch, you may have a rupture.  This would not be an emergency situation.  But, most of us would recommend that you eventually remove and replace the implant sometime in the next year if you and your surgeon decided it is likely ruptured.

Dear thesnglprnces,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

There can be several reasons for change in implant shape, texture and feel after augmentation. Commonly those may include capsular contracture and body changes associated with weight loss or gain. Implant rupture is always a concern. I feel that very important first step is to see a plastic surgeon who is certified by the Board of plastic surgery for a thorough evaluation. In a case like yours, I would recommend an MRI to get a close look at what is happening with your implant. I wish you the best, Dr. Gabbay.

under any circumstances.  Perhaps if your breast is harder and more ball shaped, you have a contracture that is pulling your tissue in and allowing the excess to hang over the top.  If your breast shape is changing, your surgeon should easily be able to tell you what is causing it after an exam.

Sorry for your issue.  Anytime there is a change in implant size, shape or feel it should be addressed by your surgeon.  Typically a MRI is ordered to check the implant and make sure it is not ruptured.  Weight loss and scar tissue contracture will also be considered.  

So sorry to hear about your problems with your breast. Shrinkage to your breast can come from weight loss and skin changes however, based on your description, of it being misshaped and lumpy, that it could potentially be a rupture. Usually with a silicone implant rupture, you usually can not tell by look and feel, therefore since you are concerned I would suggest following up with your surgeon who can order an ultrasound or MRI to check it out. 
Good Luck!

Thanks for the great question! Weight loss might be a contributing factor, but it sounds like you could have a leak in your implant. I'd recommend asking your doctor to order an ultrasound. This will be able to ensure you that there are no issues with the implant itself!Best,~Dr. Sieber