It’s important to know the signs of a breast implant rupture and what to do if it should happen to you after a breast augmentation. Though such occurrences are typically rare, knowing all the potential risks may give you peace of mind so that you know exactly what you should do.
Noticing the Signs of Rupture
Being able to see the signs of a rupture will most likely depend on the type of breast implant. For saline-filled implants, signs you should recognize include deflation or a loss in size or shape of the breast that could happen either very quickly or more slowly over the course of a few days.
Silicone implants are filled with a thicker gel instead of liquid, so while a slight loss of volume may be seen, it may not be easily noticeable. Because of this, the leak or rupture is typically not detectable without having an MRI scan.
Options for Repairing a Rupture
A leak that goes unnoticed in a silicone breast implant is known as a silent rupture.
Knowing that you have a breast implant rupture and what to do about it is important to your health. Contact Dr. Dellinger as soon as you think your implants have ruptured so that you may receive a thorough examination that could potentially include an MRI or ultrasound to confirm the rupture. Surgical removal is often recommended, then you may be given the option to have new breast implants placed at that time.
How to Lower Your Risk of Breast Implant Rupture
To reduce your risk of breast implant rupture, it is often recommended that you avoid high-contact sports and physical activity that could potentially cause trauma to your chest area. It is also important to make your technician aware that you have had a breast augmentation before your mammogram. If you have silicone implants, the FDA recommends that you receive an MRI every 3 years as a precaution to check for any leaks or tears in your implant.
