I had an implant rupture. What are signs of infection and when should I seek medical attention?

Question

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Leaking/ruptured  implants generally do not cause an infection. If you feel this is the case or if your implants are more than 10 years old then you should see a plastic surgeon for a consultation. Our own bodies give out with time as does our cars and just about everything else in life and so is the case for implants. For silicone implants prior to 2006, ruptures occur at rates of approximately 1-2% per year for the first ten years then markedly increases after that time period. A rupture or deflation of the implant may be experienced at any point after the initial augmentation; this complication may be increased by an under-filling or overfilling of saline solution into the implant, excessive compression, trauma, and other causes. (If the implant shell if not filled with the correct amount of saline, there may be a crease or fold in the shell which often leads to a rupture). You will be able to self-diagnose the need for an implant exchange (if using a saline implant) because if the current implant ruptures, the breast will shrink to approximately its preoperative size. A silicone implant that has a rupture is usually noted on a routine mammogram or MRI scan. In either case although the situation needs to be corrected on a timely basis, it is not dangerous to your health from our current knowledge base. Silicone implants after 2006 are more cohesive and less likely to leak or have silicone migration. Signs of infection are redness, swelling, pain, fever. You should seek medical attention right away.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

If you know that your implant is ruptured, most surgeons would suggest that you have the implant removed. Although leaving a ruptured implant in the body does not necessarily cause any medical or health issues, removal of the implant is still recommended.  If you develop pain or signs of infection, you absolutely should seek medical attention.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

If you think your implant is ruptured, you should seek the attention of a local plastic surgeon to make sure everythign is ok.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Just because you have a ruptured implant it doesn't mean that you will get an infection. However you should see your surgeon to address the rupture as soon as you can. The earlier it is addressed the better. Signs of infection include tenderness, redness and warmth in the affected area. You may also have a fever.

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi. Your question is not specific. Do you have saline or silicone? If they are saline the deflation is noted immediately or within hours. If they are silicone it's a bit harder to detect and an MRI is indicated. Look for the typical signs of infection, redness, warm to touch and perhaps even a fever. Ruptured implants do not require emergency surgery or treatment. make sure you consult with a surgeon certified by the Amercian Board of Plastic Surgery. Good luck

I had an implant rupture. What are signs of infection and when should I seek medical attention?

Answers (9)

Answer: Rupture implant

Answer: Rupture implant

Answer: I had an implant rupture. What are signs of infection and when should I seek medical attention?

Answer: I had an implant rupture. What are signs of infection and when should I seek medical attention?

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I had an implant rupture. What are signs of infection and when should I seek medical attention?

Answers (9)

Answer: Rupture implant

Answer: Rupture implant

Answer: I had an implant rupture. What are signs of infection and when should I seek medical attention?

Answer: I had an implant rupture. What are signs of infection and when should I seek medical attention?

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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.