Do the Cohesive Gel implants leak once ruptured?

Question

Interested in the Cohesive Gel implants aka Gummy bears but curious about leaking if the implant ruptures.

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

To an extent Cohesive implants stay together but are also sticky so can stick to the capsule. 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. Although the newer implants are more cohesive they are still very sticky when ruptured and you do need a removal of the surrounding capsule (capsulectomy) if this happens vs simple implant replacement with saline implants.

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

If the shell tears then the gel is exposed. The current gels do not flow like motor oil which is the viscosity of the old gel which is no longer on the market. Technically yes there is a leak, this is unlikely to cause you any harm. This type of gel has been in Europe and South America for many years and no reported health problems. Good Luck!

Bradley A. Hubbard, MD · Answer

One of the clear advantages of cohesive gel implants is rupture. If the outer shell of the implant breaks, ruptures or a small hole forms the silicone gel filling will not leak out. Thanks for the question!

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

Thank you very much for your interesting question.  The aim of cohesive gel implants is that the
gel is more solid, however when the shell of the implant ruptures it does
expose the underlying silicone to the body’s fluid and silicone can escape
around the body.For
information about how implants look when they are ruptured I think it would be
worth visiting our website which has lots more videos and other information
showing you the look of ruptured implants.

Jay Burns, MD · Answer

The short answer is no. There are several styles and makes of cohesive gel implants and you should allow your surgeon to use the one he or she is most comfortable with. I utilize the Sientra cohesive gel implants and I have no disclosure to make, as I have no interest in the company and do not speak for them in any way. I just like their cohesive gel implant and they come with a 2 year guarantee against capsular contracture. (hardening) and have a lifetime guarantee against rupture. That is the best guarantee I know of. The great news is that they are also very attractive and my patients love them. Any implants can cause issues and must be placed by a competent board certified Plastic surgeon. A thorough exam and consultation is a must of course in order to fully understand all of the risks and benefits. Hope this helps. All the best.

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello. Thanks for the question. The cohesive style breast implants are specifically designed to prevent leakage of its gel content if you have rupture of the external shell.  This high strength cohesive gel silicone has the quality of a gummy bear cut in half, the contents don't leak out.  Hope this helps.

Tal T. Roudner, MD, FACS · Answer

The latest generation highly cohesive silicone gel implants do not leak even if the implant shell breaks. The FDA recommends to obtain an MRI 3 years after the original surgery and every other year therefore. They also recommend to change the implants every 10 years. The MRI are done to access if the implants are ruptured as they may be unnoticed also known as a silent rupture. If the implant is ruptured it is recommended to change it. The term "gummy bear" was coined by a plastic surgeon and is not the proper professional way to describe the implants, that said many do use it. It should also known that their are cohesive gel implants and highly cohesive gel implants.good luck

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Gummy bear implants are just one type of implant available for implantation. They are form stable in that if the implant ruptures they will not leak.  They are firmer than the more traditional implants.

Luis A. Fernandez Goico, MD · Answer

Hello, Thanks for your question. The short answer is: NO. That is precisely the property that brought silicone implants back into the market. The fact that even though the envelope may be teared or ruptured, the silicone will not spread all over the pocket. This said, if a rupture is found (and this is mainly seen with an MRI), the implants should be replaced/removed. Hope that clears your doubt. Take good care,Dr. Fernandez Goico

Do the Cohesive Gel implants leak once ruptured?

Answers (9)

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