How soon should a silicone ruptured implant be removed?

Question

how soon should a ruptured silicone implant be removed. I told my doctor about 4 or 5 yrs ago that there was something wrong but he didn't believe me and did nothing. I have now found out my silicone breast implant has ruptured and has probably been leaking for many years. I have had severe headaches for many years and feel fatigued all the time. I feel lightheaded and nauseated all the time also. What is the procedure for removal and how long will i be in the hospital?

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Sorry to hear about your health issues.  It is very unlikely that these are related to your implants.  There is over 30 years of research and experience on this topic.  Many patients walk around with ruptured implants without knowing it and without health issues.  They should be removed but do not represent an emergency. Contact a board certified plastic surgeon to schedule a consultation and meet with a primary care physician to discuss other potential causes of your symptoms.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

In my opinion, I like to remove a
ruptured implant as soon as possible.Per the science/peer-reviewed data, there is no immediate health concern
however.My personal preference is to
address it sooner than later.I wish you
the best luck.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Please see a board certified plastic surgeon who can remove your implants sooner rather than later. Typically, the longer a ruptured implant sits in place, additional scar tissue develops and this can cause capsular contracture. This can distort the breast shape and be painful. Typically, the procedure involves removal of the implant along with a capsulectomy and thorough irrigation/cleaning of the breast pocket. This is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Hope this helps!

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing. When a ruptured implant is detected, it should be removed sooner rather than later. Leaking silicone can change the breast shape and can cause capsule changes. See your local plastic surgeon who can give you the best options for you.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

When an implant is ruptured it is best to have it removed as soon as it is conveniently possible.  The surgery is done on an outpatient basis.  It's likely that removing the implant as well as the capsule will be recommended.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  In my practice, I prefer to remove the ruptured implant sooner rather than later.Removal of ruptured silicone gel breast implants generally is not an unusual or complicated procedure for most of plastic surgeons who do a lot of breast surgery.What type of procedures you may benefit from after removal of the breast implants will depend on your physical examination and your goals. Sometimes patients choose to have breast implants replaced;  sometimes not. In person consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons will be helpful;  communicate your goals clearly with your plastic surgeon.Best wishes.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

It is best to have your old gels implants removed as soon as you know they are ruptured. However, your body has makes scar tissue around the gel to try and contain it. Your headaches, fatigue,nausea, and lightheadness is probably not related to your implants. I would suggest seeing your medical doctor for those issues, and finding a plastic surgeon to remove and possibly replace your old implants. The surgery is usually an outpatient procedure.

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend removal and exchange as early as you can. I am not sure if your symptoms are related to your rupture. However, the longer you wait I would expect distortion and warping to increase unless you have reached a plateau with your breast shape.

Steven Svehlak, MD · Answer

I would seek removal of a ruptured implant as soon as you can.  Leaking silicone can cause changes to the breast tissue such as capsular contracture.  This type of procedure is usually done as an outpatient procedure and doesn't normally require hospitalization.   Please seek a qualified plastic surgeon in your local area.

How soon should a silicone ruptured implant be removed?

Answers (12)

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