How much sudden pressure can saline implants withstand?

Question

I am trying to decide between silicone and saline implants. I frequently ride horses and I'm worried that if I fall on my chest/ get kicked in the chest it would cause saline implants to rupture. Is this a possibility? Should I opt for silicone instead?

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

Saline and Silicone, Safety and PerformanceWomen have so far had essentially just two breast implant fill choices: saline or silicone.Silicone implants have distinct advantages over saline implants in terms of performance: they wrinkle less and conform to a more natural breast shape, and also have a softer feel that is more breast-like. However, silicone implants have gained a reputation—possibly undeserved—for being less safe than saline implants. Despite the fact that there is no known toxicity of silicone gel breast implants, the possibility of a “silent rupture,” undetectable except by MRI, has been enough to make many women opt for saline implants or wait for a better product to come along. The time will be here most likely within a year or so with the advent of the Ideal Implant, the name given to a new design saline hybrid implant. It has the natural feel of silicone and safety of saline.Saline implants, though providing peace of mind by being perceived as safer than silicone, often do not create a result that seems as natural. Wrinkling, scalloping, a globular shape, and water balloon-like feel, and increased risk of capsular contracture have been the trade-off for peace of mind with breast implants. The Ideal Implant solves many if not all of these concerns.The Ideal Implant has bothThe Ideal Implant is one of the major technological advances to come along in the past few decades in implant manufacture. Using a novel design with internal baffles, the saline implant is manufactured to achieve a similar feel and performance comparable to a silicone implant. Approximately 95% of both patients and their surgeons expressed satisfaction at the current two-year data point by the FDA. The Ideal Breast Implant is  now FDA approved and soon to be released in the US market, hopefully with in the year.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The likelihood of failure of a silicone or saline implant because of sudden trauma to the chest is almost 0. These implants are extremely resistant to failure because of pressure.

Vincent A. Naman, MD · Answer

Although saline implants have a higher rate of rupture, it's typically due to extended wear and tear rather than sudden impact.  I think that either implant would do well under the type of stress that you're describing. When it comes to sudden force, my rule of thumb is that if it doesn't break you, it won't break the implant.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Both saline and silicone implants can withstand significant trauma. I would base the decision more on the goals you are trying to achieve with the implants including a more natural feel, shaped appearance, and minimal chance of rippling. Please discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic breast surgery. Ask to see a lot of pictures of their work. Hope this helps and good luck.

Robert S. Houser, DO · Answer

I had a patient years ago (10 or more) who rides hunters and jumpers.  She was thrown from her horse and landed on her breast with her forearm between her and the ground.  She broke her arm. She broke her ribs.  She did not break the implant!  Having said that, implants are likely not a "lifetime device."  It may fail someday.  The difference between saline and silicone is that you will know immediately if your saline implant fails -- but most silicone ruptures are silent (like a run flat tire -- you should get it replaced but the timing is not a critical).  Good luck!

William LoVerme, MD · Answer

I have been asked this question many times in different fashions by my patients. Both saline and silicone implants are quite durable. Saline implants have an average life span of about ten years. The newer silicone implants may have an average life span longer than this. Either implant is susceptible to sudden blunt force trauma such being kicked by a horse. I always tell my patients that any breast may save them from broken ribs in the highly unlikely event of being kicked exactly in the breast. A saline implant is perhaps more likely to deflate but is more easy to detect the rupture than from a silicone implant. Either implant, if ruptured, will need to be replaced surgically. Since the chance of a direct kick to the breast is low you would be wise to decide on the best implant for based on your needs for appearance and discussion with your plastic surgeon.

Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.It's not an easy question to answer, and the extra pressure at which a saline implant would rupture depends in part on the amount of overfilling of the implant itself.I would base your decision on the overall breast result you are trying to achieve, and not the remote possibility of a traumatic rupture.  Compared to the latest generation implants, those saline implants appear more likely to rupture on their own with or without the horse.

Todd C. Case, MD · Answer

Both saline and silicone gel implants are pretty resilient.  That being said, either can rupture under the right circumstances.  I've shown patients I can stand on a silicone gel implant without it rupturing.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

The shells of both saline and silicone implants are quite durable and resistant to the trauma that you describe.  However, over many years the strength does weaken and the wall becomes more fragile.  Aside from durability I usually recommend silicone implants to my patients since the long term satisfaction with their feel and appearance is usually better.  Women with thicker breast tissue and good skin elasticity often love their saline implants however if your tissues are thin or become thin with time, you're more likely to prefer a silicone implant.  Regards.....
Jon A Perlman MD FACS
Certified, Am Board of Plastic Surgery
Extreme Makeover Surgeon ABC TV
Beverly Hills, Ca

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

The shell of each is similar enough that you should consider the chance about the same for each. In over 30 years of practice I have seen only one implant break from direct (not mammogram) trauma. It's very unlikely and you should continue your lifestyle unchanged after the surgery. But you will almost certainly like the feel of the silicone far more than the saline implants.

How much sudden pressure can saline implants withstand?

Answers (10)

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