If Saline Implants Leak, Can It Be Left in Place?

The danger is that a ruptured saline implant can develop "edges" which can irritate the skin, can be painful, or could be palpated just below the skin surface in thin patients.
The implant shell itself probably poses little significant danger unless it irritates the skin.
Removal of an implant or implants can generally be readily performed under local anesthesia, possibly with light sedation if one of these issues arises.

you can leave defalted saline implants in indefinitely. They will do nom harm. The pocket around the device will contract down and simple replacement will not be feasible. A capsulotomy will have to done if a new implant is to be inserted.

It is best to take them out however they can be left in if they don't irritate her and lead to complications.

When saline implants leak the fluid gets absorbed by the body and then eventually urinated away.  With the collapse of the implant, folds occur.  Sometimes they can poke the patient from the inside.  This can hurt.  the other thing is that the soft tissue shrinks.  It may make this more difficult to achieve closeness with the other side in the future.  We typically advise removal and replacement if possible.

You mention some concern about anesthesia.  It is a short procedure.  Have your friend talk to her Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  they can then talk about benefits and risks.

Ann- When saline implants rupture they usually totally deflate. The saline solution will leak into the body and be dissolved, leaving the breast flat. The solution itself is not dangerous, but it will leave one side flat while the other side will be full as long as that implant hasn’t ruptured as well. If she cannot go under general anesthesia at this time she will be fine to leave her implants alone until she is cleared for surgery again. Depending on how long she has had her implants and if she purchased and extended warranty she may be entitled to a stipend to help with the removal and replacement cost.

You friend will probably want them out at some point, but as long as they are not giving her any problems, she should be fine to leave them in until she is ready for ananesthetic.
 

A deflated implant can be left in place, but in many cases the removal can be performed under local anesthesia so I would be inclined to remove the implant. If it is changed for a new implant (which most people would do) there may be some degree of sedation depending on the situation.

Hello,

There is no harm to leaving the deflated saline implant inside as long as it does not bother her, but it can be taken out easily under local anesthesia in just a few minutes in the plastic surgeons office.

All the best,

Dr Repta

Ruptured saline implants can be removed when the patient is ready.  The deflated implants may pose a threat if a folded edge starts to push against the skin and cause irritation.

One thing about saline implants is that they rarely leak -- they totally deflate. If they need to be removed, this can be done under local only. Your friend should post her problem because we as physicians like the full story from the patient.