Though getting silicone or saline breast implants is considered safe, there are some dangers that are associated with these implants, just as there are dangers in any surgery. While both kinds of implants have a silicone shell, one is filled with salinized water, and the other is filled with a silicone gel. Both are safe, but there is the possibility for both of them that they might rupture once placed in the body, however, the signs for each kind of rupture are slightly different.

An implant may rupture once it is under the skin. This might be a result of an error during the surgery, sometimes due to impact, like from a fall, or sometimes during a mammogram (though this is extremely rare). More commonly, implants begin to leak as a result of normal movement within the body; over time, this causes the implant to fold or wear, and eventually a small hole or tear will form in the implant.

Saline Implant Leaks

When a saline implant breaks open, it is much easier to identify than when a silicone implant ruptures. If a saline implant begins to leak the filler solution, you would see the shape of the breast quickly begin to change, as the saltwater leaks out of the silicone pouch and into the body. One of the benefits of choosing saline over silicone is that the body safely absorbs the salinized water when it leaks from the implant. This might not be completely comforting, as there is noticeable breast asymmetry and the implant needs to be replaced, but it can alleviate the worry that a ruptured saline implant is posing a danger to your system.

Silicone Implant Leaks

A silicone gel implant leak is not as easy to identify, as the consistency of the silicone gel is much thicker and therefore will retain its shape for a much longer period of time. It is rare that silicone will travel away from the breast area, though it does happen.

Because the gel often settles in the breast area, even as it leaks from the implant, it can be difficult for a woman to know if her silicone implants have actually broken open. Most doctors want their silicone gel implant patients to have regular MRIs to ensure that their implants have not ruptured, as this is the only way, besides additional surgery, to determine if the implant has a hole or tear.

Treatment of Ruptured Implants

Despite the difference between the implants themselves, a rupture of either requires breast implant revision surgery to fix the problem, either to remove the implant altogether, or to replace it. In the event of a silicone rupture, doctors must remove the implant and any lingering silicone gel in the breast pocket and from any other area of the breast.

When deciding which kind of implant to get, carefully consider the differences between saline and silicone gel breast implants, especially in the event of an implant rupture.

To schedule a breast augmentation consultation, contact Dr. Paul Pin's Dallas practice.