What are my options for a saline breast implant leak?

Thanks for your question.
As the other physicians have mentioned the salty taste in your mouth and your saline implants are unrelated. There is no way for leaking saline to get to your nose or mouth. The saline is simply absorbed by the tissue around the implant pocket.
Implant ruptures should be evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon. Usually, saline breast implants will not exhibit slow leaks but will leak like a ruptured balloon (very quickly). This will usually result in significant asymmetry. Silicone ruptures can be much more challenging to detect.
If your implant is leaking you may need to have the implant(s) removed or have the ruptured implant replaced. Implants that are ruptured that were placed in 2002 are likely still covered by the warranty. Be sure to contact your original plastic surgeon if you don't have the original paperwork. Warranties from Mentor or Allergan (the two largest breast implant manufacturers) usually last the lifetime of the implant.
I hope this helps.

When saline implants fail, it is usally quite noticeable in 48 hours. There will be very prominent rippling and a size change for sure. You would not feel any dramatic symptoms nor taste salt anywhere. It is best to have your breast examined by your surgeon if there is abny concern.

Thank you for your question.  I would recommend scheduling a consultation or a follow up appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a physical exam.  A physical exam would confirm if you are experiencing a saline breast implant deflation and all options will be discussed.  Based upon the information you provided, it seems as though you are experiencing a deflation since you have noticed a difference in both size and feel but you should have this confirmed.  The saline taste you are experiencing is unrelated to your implants.  Your body, specifically the tissue in and around your breast pocket, is absorbing any saline that may be leaking from your implant(s).  As far as exercise is concerned, saline implant leaks post no danger to your health so you should be ok, however, I do not recommend leaving any ruptured or leaking device in the body for any prolonged period of time. I hope you find this helpful and best of luck!

It sounds as if the implant is leaking.  I don't think it has anything to do with your nasal symptoms.  You can exercise, but you need to contact your plastic surgeon so they can arrange replacement of the deflated implant. 

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.

Your nasopharyngeal are coincidental with the failure of the saline implant, not the result of it.  The saline implant will ultimately lose all of its volume so exercise is not contraindicated.  Replacement may done at your convenience.

Judie,
If your implant is leaking, then it should be replaced. There really is no restriction on your activity, since if there is a leak, there is nothing short of replacing the implant that can be done. You should go back to your surgeon for a consultation and set up surgery.

It sounds as though your implant is deflating. It is not related to your post-nasal drip however. You should visit a board certified plastic surgeon to have this confirmed and discuss your options. You should be able to exercise; however, sometimes women will notice the implant 'poking' them and this may be uncomfortable.