Ruptured Saline Implant Hurts, How Harmful to Leave in?

Question

My 2006 saline implant ruptured and deflated very quickly two wks ago. I was told my ins would cover if medically necessary. I have been informed its not medically necessary. But it hurts and looks like it is going to come through my skin. I have also been told of possible bacteria? Do all doctorys say its ok for this deflated object just to stay there and hurt or what an I do to make this issue more pressing to my insurance. I don't expect them to pay all but I think, it is harmful to leave???

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Given that you are having symptoms associated with the deflated breast implants  you should have them removed.

	If you wish to have the implant removal cover to your health insurance you may need to be very persistent. The first step would be to find a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to support you with a letter documenting medical necessity.

	Best wishes.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

If your breast #implants are ruptured, or, more than 10 years old, consideration should be given to replacement.  Plastic surgeons who have specialized in breast surgery and cosmetic surgery are suitable to perform your breast augmentation #revision. Aside from checking board-certification, it is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

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

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 should be corrected on a timely basis especially if it "looks like it is going to come through your skin" as it just might do that.

Douglas L. Gervais, MD · Answer

If you are having pain, then you should have the implant removed and if you wish, have it replaced. You may find it very difficult to get this covered by your insurance, but a letter from your surgeon stating medical necessity may be helpful. Good luck.

Ruptured Saline Implant Hurts, How Harmful to Leave in?

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Ruptured Saline Implant Hurts, How Harmful to Leave in?

Answers (9)

Answer: Remove Ruptured Saline Implants

Answer: Remove Ruptured Saline Implants

Answer: Should I Remove My Ruptured Implant?

Answer: Should I Remove My Ruptured Implant?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.