If saline implant ruptures, how quickly do you need to get it removed?

Thanks for this excellent question. Once a saline implant is ruptured it will be very noticeable and you will want it replaced sooner rather than later. That’s one of the differences with a cohesive gel implant. If a cohesive gel implant ruptures it might not at all be that noticeable. A ruptured saline implant is not in any way a medical urgency, so do not panic if you can not get this scheduled in straight away. But given the obvious difference of lack in volume of one side versus the other you will need the implant replaced at your earliest convenience.

If you happen to know that your implants are ruptured, I suggest that you have them removed sooner than later.

Saline implants are filled with the same saline solution that is used in an intravenous infusion, so there is no harm to the body from a saline implant leak. Sometimes the collapsed implant can be a bit uncomfortable however, so it is good to start planning your options.

Ruptured saline implants are not a surgical emergency. You would need to consider your options whether you want to continue with implants or have the implants replaced with silicone implants depending on why the implants ruptured. You may be better off with explantation and lift with fat transfers instead of implants again. You have multiple choices and need to take your time and come to a conclusion of what is best for you. As others have stated, approximately 4 weeks is the appropriate amount of time.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

If saline implants rupture, they deflate and most patients want to have them replaced ASAP. There is no medical reason to have them removed immediately as the saline will be resorbed; but the longer you wait (more than a month), you may find additional surgery is required to modify the implant pocket.

Thank you for sharing your question. Although not an emergency, i would recommend exchanging within a few weeks in order to limit your discomfort and avoid any issues with the implant pocket. Hope this helps.

Dear trscmed,
in case of implant rupture, it is recommended to remove the implant as soon as possible in order to reduce the chance of complications. 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

Breathe.

Saline implants are filled with saline. When they leak, the saline just gets absorbed by the body. Sometimes they leak quickly, sometimes slowly and intermittently. "Rupture" sounds so violent. It really is quite boring. It just gets smaller and more wrinkly over time. When the skin becomes "unstretched," it may be more sensitive. This is NOT anything bad happening. It is just the nerves in the skin becoming unstretched, which can make them sore/tingly/itchy.

There is no urgency to removing the implant other than the fact you will be asymmetric because you have a bigger breast on one side than the other (get out the socks to stuff your bra). I had a patient who deflated while pregnant. She couldn't have surgery then, and then she had a baby whom she was breastfeeding, so we didn't fix it until almost two years out.

Implants aren't made to last forever, and I'm sorry you deflated. But take your time and schedule the revision when it fits into your life. If you are within 10 years, some of the cost may be covered by your warranty. And think of it as a time to take advantage - do you want to change the size? type of implant? do a lift? if the implant migrated into the armpit, do some internal capsule work to prevent that?

There are silver linings of having to redo surgery.

Removing a saline implant that has ruptured is not a medical emergency. The saline solution that fills it is safe and will simply be absorbed by the body. You can have the implants removed or replaced when it's reasonably convenient for you. We welcome you to visit us in our Houston office to learn more!

With a ruptured saline implant, your body will absorb the saline fairly quickly. Removing the empty bag is not an urgent or emergent procedure, but probably should be done within a few weeks for an easier removal. The empty bag can also be removed in the office under local anesthesia. If the empty bag is left inside for a long time, it may get wadded up under the breast and be harder to find and remove.