What implant has the lowest rupture rate? Online answers seem contradictory.

Other than the need to replace a ruptured implant, we generally do not consider FDA-cleared breast implants to differ in terms of safety. Allergan's round Natrelle implants have a reported 10-year rupture rate of 9.4%, Mentor unreported but probably similar, Sientra 4.3% but this is 8-year data and includes both shaped and round implants. It is possible that newer implants such as Inspira Soft Touch and Round Gummy will have different data. Implants continue to improve in design.

The Ideal Implant has the lowest rupture rate 1.8%. This is thought to be due to it’s internal multilayered structure. This structure gives the implant a feel similar to a silicone gel. This implant is the safest available today.

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 Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Among the 3 FDA approved manufacturers of breast implants (Allergan, Mentor, Sientra), there is no documented significant difference in failure rates. Generally speaking, most put the number at approximately 10% at 10 years. These percentages are more applicable to saline implants (As ruptures are fairly easy to detect). Silicone implants and silent ruptures/gel bleed make documenting an accurate failure rate more challenging.Bottom line is they are all safe and durable and growing moreso with innovations yearly.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Rupture/deflation rates of 3% to 5% and 7% to 10% have been reported at 3 years and 10 years after insertion of SALINE breast implants, respectively.   A SILICON breast implant rupture review in 2017 by Hillard, Fowler, Barta, and Cunningham makes the point that a standardized method of reporting verified rupture rates without implant retrieval, an option many patients reject, is unavailable. Reported rates vary significantly between manufacturers and method of patient evaluation. The percentages reported by Richard Baxter, MD, are consistent with my findings.

All three companies have pretty good safety records. There are various studies with differing numbers.  A rupture can happen with any of them long term.  You are best to look for the right surgeon that you feel comfortable with and who has a low complication rate.

The rupture rates for the silicone implants are all very similar.  Dr. Baxter's statement about differences in rates is also die to the length and rules of the study.  The plastic surgeon is far more important than the brand of FDA approved implants that they choose.Dr T

Many thanks for what is actually a nigh-on impossible question to answer, as no one truly knows the answer - hence the widely varying figures that you can find online!
No one truly knows how many implants have been inserted, not all ruptured implants are reported or sent back to the manufacturers hence the data implant companies have at there disposal is not accurate and thus essentially based upon best guess. Similarly, no one surgeon will have accurate data as, despite us thinking that we are all great and patient would thus naturally want to come back and see us if there were a problem with the implant, such as a rupture, the simple truth is patietnts go and see other surgeons or move to other parts of the country/world and then see surgeons local to them.
It is fair to say that it will be more obvious if your implant ruptures if it is saline filled as the saline will leak out and be reabsorbed by the body leaving a deflated implant/breast. With silicone filled implants this is not the case and, in the most part, the implant will remain inflated and maintain its shape if an intracapsular rupture.
I therefore would advise seeing a Board Certified surgeon that uses FDA/CE mark approved implants in order to be as certain as one can be that you are getting quality implants inserted. It is also equally important that you trust and bond with your chosen surgeon as this relationship is key.
I wish you luck.
Best wishes,
Marcus

Using company data is one thing; personal experience is another.  Recent data published in 2016 stated that silicone implants from Sientra and Allergan have a ten year rupture rate of less than 9%.  The percentage of Mentor implants that were ruptured at 10 years was 24%.  In the first decade of my practice, I used Mentor implants exclusively.  95% were silicone so it is had to know if they've actually ruptured.  I now am removing a high number of Mentor implants from my patients that have had them for only about 10 years.  I remove more ruptured Mentor implants than any other manufacturer.  So, if you are considering silicone implants, I personally suggest Sientra (best warranty in the business - 20years).  If you are considering saline implants, I suggest the Ideal Implant which has a lower rupture rate than either Mentor or Allergan.  Also, Sientra and Ideal Implants are only available to Board Certified Plastic Surgeons.  Good luck!

Dear Oogieboogie,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. This answer depends on the type of implant that you want to have placed - saline or silicone, and silicone gel versus cohesive gel ("gummy bear") implants. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018

RealSelf100

America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018
BeautyAdvisor Top Contributor