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

Question

I am very concerned that my cohesive gel implants may be ruptured or leaking. My breasts have lost volume and now look very rippled. I can also feel something like an air bubble on one side. I am having other symptoms that may be unrelated but still concerning... My arms and hands have been feeling numb and go to sleep easily. Would a Dr. be able to know if the implants are leaking with a physical exam? My implants are 8 years old, subglandular. I am considering removal, maybe a replacement.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

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

William Andrade, MD · Answer

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.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

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.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

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.

Eric Mariotti, MD · Answer

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.

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

Answers (8)