Do the Cohesive Gel implants leak once ruptured?

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.

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!

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!