Is It Safe to Fly with a Ruptured Silicone Breast Implant?

Question

I've just found out that I have ruptured silicone breast implants and have silicone outside of the implant shell. I have already scheduled surgery to get them replaced but am concerned because I have a 2 flights of about 4 hours each scheduled before my surgery. Is it safe to fly with a ruptured silicone implant or should I reschedule my flights?

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. You should be able to go on vacation by 3-4 weeks after your surgery. But this is valid only with assuming postoperative recovery is uneventful. If any unexpected incident happens in your treatment process, this time can be extended or shortened. I wish you all the best.

Ankit Desai, MD · Answer

The altitude of flying should not affect your ruptures silicone gel implants. You should proceed when you are able to have your implants replaced.

Douglas L. Gervais, MD · Answer

You should have no problems flying with a ruptured silicone implant. The cabins of commercial airlines are all pressurized. You will not affect the outcome of your surgery if you fly before you have them removed.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

I do not see any problems with you flying with a ruptured implant.  The altitude will not affect them.

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

There is no risk of flying with your implant whether it is leaking or not.  The fluid will stay within the breast capsule and won't cause any problem.

Ralph R. Garramone, MD · Answer

You should not have any difficulty flying with silicone implants that have been identified as leaking.  Glad to hear to have arranged surgery.

	 

	Good luck.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Yes, it is indeed safe to fly with a ruptured implant.  It does not increase your risks or the difficulty with revisional surgery.  Best of luck.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

There is nothing toxic or dangerous with leaking or deflated breast implants (silicone or salt water filled). They pose no threat at either seepa level, high altitude or even at 37,000 feet.  You are not taking on any rss by completing your travel schedule. 

	God luck with your surgery.

Eric Chang, MD · Answer

I agree with having the implants removed but you should not fear flying with them in place. Good luck with your surgery.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It shoudl be no problem to fly with a ruptured implants. The product is inert, and it should not migrate significantly.

Is It Safe to Fly with a Ruptured Silicone Breast Implant?

Answers (14)

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