Can Breast Implants Pop?At the Scottsdale offices of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Richard J. Brown, patients often come to us for breast enhancement surgery using breast implants. During initial consultations, we repeatedly hear the same question — “Can breast implants pop?”
Related: What Causes Breast Implants to Rupture?
Unfortunately, breast implants can rupture. However, ruptures are a rare occurrence that can be treated easily.
The most common cause for implant leakage is the development of capsular contracture, in which the pocket of tissue surrounding the implant constricts and puts pressure on the implant.
Saline or silicone implants can rupture. Usually it is caused by intense physical trauma, like a car accident or other sharp, direct blow to the breast tissue.
Still, it is rare that an implant might rupture. According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, only 15 percent of breast implants will rupture, usually between their third and tenth year of use. Implants are more likely to rupture with age.
If your implant does rupture, the implant type will affect how the rupture behaves.
If your ruptured implant was filled with saline, the fluid will leak out of the silicone shell and be absorbed by the body. This is OK — the saline fluid used in breast implants is not toxic or harmful to the body. However, this type of leak will most likely need to be replaced.
If you have silicone implants, you may go for years without noticing a leak. This is because the silicone filling is very thick and viscous, moving only at very slow rates. It will generally stay within the capsule of tissue surrounding your implant, making for a simple replacement.
Related: How to Tell if Your Implant is Leaking
For other concerns regarding breast implants, schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Richard J. Brown. Call 480-568-3804.
