How do you know if cohesive gel implants are ruptured or leaking?

Hello,I would definitely recommend that you meet with your primary care physician regarding your various symptoms to investigate possible causes. As for breast implant imaging- MRI is usually the most beneficial.All the best

Although an abnormal shape or rippling of the breast might provide an indication that an implant has ruptured, this would need to be confirmed with imaging such as ultrasound or MRI.

Thank you for your question.The only way to tell if you have a ruptured implant is to have a MRI.  Contact your surgeon for an examination.Best of luck.

One of the purported benefits of cohesive gel implants is the decreased likelihood of leakage. Because of the cross-linking of the silicone, an implant shell which has been compromised does not result in a leak in the traditional sense of the word.That being said, manufacturers typically recommend surveillance MRI at regular intervals to assess for implant compromise. This is due tot the fact that a leak is nearly impossible to detect externally (unlike saline filled devices which simply deflate).As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.

One of the reasons cohesive silicone gel
implants have become popular is because they rarely leak, even when ruptured.
But that can also make it more difficult to know if a rupture has occurred. I
would say that it's unusual for both implants to rupture. If the scar tissue
around the implant has become tight (capsular contracture), then the implant
may be folded, and a corner can protrude. Your symptoms of numbness are hard to
explain, but I have seen that with tight capsular contracture. I recommend
scheduling an appointment with your plastic surgeon.

The only definitive way of detecting a leaking silicone implant is with an MRI.  Since your implants are subglandular you may have less tissue to cover the implant and if your implants are the variety that are less filled then you will have rippling.  Using the new Inspira line of breast implants will definitely have less rippling.  You should go see a board certified Plastic Surgeon to get an examination. 

Physical exam is not accurate in determining if a gel implant is leaking or has ruptured.  I would recommend an MRI at a facility that does a lot of breast implant imaging.  MRI is the most accurate way to look for a rupture. 

The only way to diagnose breast imlant rupture is by an MRI exam. Please see a board certified plastic surgeon for an exam. Please be assured that your general symptoms in hands are not related to your breast implants.