Are there health risks associated with leaking breast implants?

Dear Reader,

Breast implant technology improves every year. However, no matter when you got your implants, they almost always require some sort of follow-up surgery. Ruptures can result for a range of reasons, from how the implant was created or put in place, to your lifestyle habits. The consequences of a rupture depend on multiple factors, including the material and model of the implants. If you’re interested in keeping abreast of information about implant rupture, feel free to read on. 

What kinds of implants are there? 

There are two types of FDA-approved breast implants: saline and silicone implants. Both saline and silicone breast implants have outer shells made of silicone. Inside these shells, saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. Meanwhile, silicone implants are filled with silicone gel filling. 

How long do implants typically last? 

The lifespan of breast implants ranges, with some lasting as long as 35 years. That said, after five years of having them the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends to get them checked via MRI every two to three years. You might have a better chance of keeping your implants for longer if they’re newer, as these models are made of more durable materials than older versions. 

Why do implants rupture? 

Common causes of ruptures include capsular contraction (the tightening or hardening of tissue around the implant), under or overfilling of implants, or damage during surgery. Other reasons include general aging or weakening of the shell that holds the fluid. 

Some everyday activities and lifestyle choices can also cause breast implants to rupture. Research has shown, for example, that wearing underwire bras, using a car seat belt, and having a mammogram can increase your risk of rupture. However, health professionals recommend continuing to wear seatbelts and getting mammograms as they believe the benefits of these activities far outweigh the risk of an implant rupturing. 

What happens if your implant ruptures? 

The consequences of your implant rupturing depend largely on the type of implant you have. When a saline implant ruptures, the saline will be reabsorbed by the body without any adverse effects. But when a silicone implant ruptures, the shape of your breast might be compromised, and you might experience some pain.  

The degree of complications from a silicone implant rupture depends on whether the implant is an older or newer model. When older silicone implants rupture, the silicone migrates and has been found floating in neighboring tissues. Luckily, newer models are more cohesive, and the silicone shouldn’t spread. 

Regardless of whether you have a saline or silicone implant (old or new), health professionals recommend that you have ruptured implants removed—breast implants aren’t lifetime devices. 

Are there health impacts of a ruptured implant? 

The FDA has found no evidence that ruptured implants lead to tissue disease, breast cancer, or reproductive diseases.  

Nonetheless, the FDA recommends surgery to either remove or replace the implant to avoid undesirable cosmetic changes or pain associated with the leakage. Speaking with a health care provider about the leak can help inform the best way to move forward. 

How will you know if your implant ruptures? 

If your saline breast implant ruptures, you might notice that the volume of your breast decreases. Ruptures can also be detected through a simple physical exam with a health care professional.  

If you have a silicone breast implant, ruptures are more difficult to identify in a physical exam. Instead, they’re best detected in an MRI. Additionally, silicone breast implant ruptures may cause slight pain, tenderness, or changes in breast shape or texture. 

How can you overcome your fear of having your implants removed? 

You mention that you’re afraid of having your implants removed. Given that it’s recommended to remove ruptured implants, it might be worth exploring these feelings further. For example, you may consider asking yourself what your concerns are about getting the implants removed? Is it the procedure? Potential health risks? Cost? The aesthetics of not having implants? Something else? 

Understanding your hesitation may help you figure out what steps you’d like to take next. Speaking with a health care professional about the pros and cons of fixing a leaking implant. If you do choose to remove them, you may choose to have new ones put in or to embrace how your breasts have changed over time by leaving them out. 

Whether you decide to have the implants removed altogether, replaced, or just monitored for further leakage, staying on top of your breast health is always recommended. Regular visits with a health care provider may provide a way for you to nip(ple) any implant issues in the bud. 

Breast of luck!