Breast Implant Rupture
A breast implant rupture occurs when the outer shell of a breast implant develops a tear or hole, leading to the leakage or release of the implants filling material. The rupture can be partial or complete and may involve either saline or silicone implants.
There are different causes for implant rupture:
- Implant Age: Over time, breast implants may weaken and become more prone to rupture. The risk of rupture tends to increase with the age of the implant.
- Trauma: Physical trauma or injury to the breast can lead to implant rupture. This can occur due to accidents, falls, or even instrument damage at the time of surgery.
- Manufacturing Defects: Although rare, manufacturing defects in the implant can contribute to rupture.
The symptoms of rupture can vary depending on the type of implant. For saline implants, a common symptom is sudden deflation or decrease in breast size with a noticeable change in breast shape. For silicone implants, the contents may not leak out and cause any symptoms or signs...this is known as a “silent rupture”. In some cases, a rupture of a silicone implant may cause pain, swelling, or changes in breast appearance.
A clinical examination can help identify breast changes and imaging studies such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to confirm a diagnosis of rupture. Generally, if an implant rupture is confirmed then surgical intervention to remove it is recommended.
