A recent MRI shows one of my silicone implants is leaking. What is the effect of that? What will happen if I do nothing?

Hello! It is recommended that you have the implant removed. There is no science to show that implant rupture will lead to issues throughout your body. Typically there is discomfort and/or tightness that result from the scarring around the implant. You would need to undergo this procedure under anesthesia. At the time of implant removal, you could undergo replacement and/or lift, or just do the removal only.  I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation. You can find one at plasticsurgery.org.

I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with. Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Dear Patrenfroe,
most plastic surgeons will recommend you to remove your implants. Also, if you have capsules around your implants, they should be removed too. 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

As others have stated, leaking implants should be removed.  Depending on the capsule, it may or may not be removed as well.  The silicone should not have any effect on your health.  If you do undergo explantation, I recommend a lift using The Bellesoma Method.  The implants are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided and nipple sensation is maintained, if not injured during your previous surgery.  At the same time or later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Current FDA recommendation is to remove a leaky device. I have seen patients years after rupture that had hard capsules around the implant. Also calcifications can evolve around the implant that should be removed as well. I prefer to remove the implant, capsule and any calcification in one piece. See a board certified ASAPS plastic surgeon in Consultation. Good luck.   

Leaking silicone implants should be removed. That being said, silicone is biologically inert. Many patient have silent bleeds/leaking silicone implants and are completely unaware. As they are asymptomatic, they may go for years without knowing there is even a problem.With regards to the health effects, this is not entirely clear. Studies have not conclusively elucidated the risks. In all likelihood, you have been living with a rupture for some time...thus you have seen how it affects (or doesn't affect) your health.Typically removal will entail removal/replacement of the ruptured device as well as the surrounding capsule/scar. This is a slightly more involved procedure than simple removal.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Thank you for sharing your question. For most patients the most prudent move is to remove the leaking implant and surrounding scar tissue, replacing with new silicone implants (if desired).  Although an inert substance, and no data showing negative tissue consequences, best to exchange the implants now before the leaking worsens.

The ruptured implants should be removed as well as remaining silicone material that has extruded.  Silicone is relatively inert, and I would not anticipate a change in antibodies after removal.   Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who will examine your breasts to determine the best path ahead for you with regard to removing the implants and then 6 months later, if needed, perform a breast lift, breast fat transfer, or breast implantation.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Los Angeles, CA

Your leaking gel may still be contained inside your capsule, scar tissue around your implant. However, if that scar tissue breaks, the your gel can spread more and cause more hard knots. I would suggest having your implants and capsules removed.

Hello! Thank you for your question. Many studies have been done on this topic over the past 40+ years. The consensus is that the silicone found inside silicone breast implants is not harmful to the human body---even when it leaks out of the breast implant. However, rupture/leakage of a silicone breast implant is an indication for removal of the ruptured/leaking breast implant and the capsule that surrounds the implant. If you decide that you want to have the ruptured/leaking breast implant removed, you could also have a new breast implant placed or undergo a breast lift. 
Keep in mind that if you decide to pursue surgery it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and trust and who evaluates you in-person and tailors an individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.