How Can I Tell if My Implant Has Ruptured?
Breast augmentation surgeries are extremely popular and one of Dr. Brown’s specialties. Most of our patients come with plenty of questions for Dr. Brown during their breast augmentation consultation. You’d be hard pressed to find a breast augmentation patient who hasn’t wondered if their implant will rupture. While this is a relatively unlikely occurrence, we will give you some tips on how to tell if your implant has ruptured.
- Check for deflation.
If you have saline breast implants, the deflation will happen rather quickly. The shape and size will change, similar to a balloon losing air. Don’t panic! Saline is simply salt water so it is usually harmless.
- Have it checked by a doctor if you suspect your implant has ruptured.
If you think your implant has ruptured, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Especially if your implant is a silicone implant. Silicone will leak much slower so it can take quite some time before there is any noticeable change to the size or shape. Your doctor can perform an MRI to see if there has been damage to the implant.
Often times the rupture won’t be discovered until the implants are removed. Your body develops a natural pocket of tissue around the implant and the silicone can stay in that pocket, not harming or leaking into other areas of the body.
Related: Silicone vs. Saline: What’s the Difference?
- Check for lumps and bumps.
Sometimes, you can be the best judge when it comes to a problem with your implants. Feel around for any inconsistencies in shape or size. If you notice a bump and have silicone implants, that could be a sign of a rupture.
If you ever notice any foreign lump in or around your breast, get it checked whether you have implants or not. Early detection is key for breast cancer and other diseases that can be caught by self-exams. Use this guide by the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
If you have any further questions about breast implants whether they be saline, silicone or gummy bear implants, call Dr. Brown’s Sun City and Scottsdale plastic surgery office at 480-568-3804.
