What are my options for a saline breast implant leak?

If you have larger implants, give it a couple of more days and watch to see if your breast decreases in size further. However, if you have smaller implants then the deflation may have already occurred. Please see your surgeon for a physical examination and discussion of replacement surgery, if you would like to have them replaced. You can still exercise. Best of luck.

         Based on your
history, it appears that your left breast implant has deflated. This is
supported by the fact that the implant is smaller and softer than the opposite
side. The salty taste in your mouth is probably unrelated.

 

         In the majority of
patients undergoing breast augmentation, implants last a lifetime.
Occasionally, implants deflate and need to be replaced.

 

         Current data
suggests that implants deflate at a rate of one percent at one year and three
percent at three years. Over time, this number can be expected to grow.
Implants may deflate with no apparent cause or may deflate secondary to trauma.


 

         When saline implants
deflate, the diagnosis is relatively easy to make. These implants lose volume
and flatten quickly.

 

         Correction of this
problem will require removal and replacement of your ruptured breast implant.
Since its been ten years since your original procedure, the opposite implant
should be replaced as well. It’s important that you consult your surgeon as soon
as possible.

Usually a saline breast implant leaks fully right away such as a deflated balloon. You will sometimes feel a burning sensation in the deflated breast. This deflation is not related to any taste sensation in your mouth. If you do suspect a leak you should go to your Plastic Surgeon and be examined to see if you need a replacement.