Why Do Breast Implants Rupture?

3 Min Read

After breast augmentation, most patients can look forward to a complication-free life for many years. Breast implants typically last a decade or longer before they need to be replaced, but some implants may rupture or deflate at any time. If you experience implant rupture or implant deflation, Dr. Joshua Halpern can perform a secondary breast procedure to clean out the breast pocket and replace your damaged implants with new implants that are fully intact. 

The Durability of Implants

Implants are not designed to rupture. If they were, they would not be considered long-lasting devices and would not be suitable for breast augmentation. Silicone and saline implants are both manufactured with a strong, silicone shell that is meant to withstand the surgery as well as regular, day-to-day activities. Newer generation implants are increasingly resilient and last even longer than previous generations. Still, even though they are highly durable, damage can cause implants to develop a rupture or tear in the outer shell.

Causes of Implant Rupture

Implant rupture is usually caused by damage to the implant or breast, but there are other causes as well. Here are the most common causes:

• Physical trauma: Physical stresses, trauma, intense pressure, or other injuries or rough handling of the breasts can lead to implant rupture.
• Capsular contracture: If the scar capsule constricts around the implant, it may cause the implant to rupture.
• Age of the implant: The longer you have breast implants, the greater the chance that one of them will rupture.
• Procedural damage: Compression during a mammogram or damage during a biopsy or other breast procedure can cause implant rupture.
• Decompensation of the valve: This can lead to the deflation of saline implants.

If a breast implant has ruptured because of any of these reasons, it is important to be able to identify it and treat it. Ruptured implants can cause complications or symptoms. For instance, a ruptured silicone implant may cause pain, swelling, lumps, or changes in breast shape. Dr. Halpern can help you identify whether implant rupture has occurred and can recommend treatment.

Identifying Implant Rupture

Implant rupture can occur in both silicone and saline implants, though it is also referred to as “deflation” in saline implants. When a saline implant deflates or ruptures, the saline solution leaks out into the breast pocket. This is harmless to the body, but it causes a noticeable difference in the appearance of the breasts because the affected breast will appear to shrink in size. When a silicone implant ruptures, it can be unnoticeable. This is known as “silent rupture” and often requires a mammogram to accurately identify it. The gel of a silicone implant may either remain in the implant shell or may seep out into the scar tissue. The loose silicone gel must be cleaned out through breast revision surgery.

Treatment for Ruptured Implants

The treatment for ruptured implants requires a secondary surgical procedure. Dr. Halpern is one of the most experienced plastic surgeons in the nation regarding the repair of implants for patients who have undergone breast augmentation by other physicians. He has lectured to plastic surgeons on the subject. During the procedure, Dr. Halpern removes the ruptured implants and loose silicone. He also excises the scar tissue to remove any trace of incorporated silicone from the rupture event. If patients desire new implants, Dr. Halpern then inserts new implants either with or without a lift. With this revisionary breast surgery, Dr. Halpern can correct these issues related to implant rupture.

Dr. Joshua Halpern is an expert breast surgeon who frequently performs implant repair and replacement for women in need of breast revision. If one of your breast implants has ruptured, schedule your consultation with Dr. Halpern today by calling (813) 872-2696 or by filling out our online contact form.