What is a breast implant rupture and why do implants rupture?

Q. What is a breast implant rupture and why do implants rupture? How do I know if I have a rupture and what is done? Does silicone or saline rupture more?

A. Breast Implant ruptures happen for a number of different reasons. Over time the body can break the implant down and weaken its outer shell , a fall, a car accident, a sports injury,or any hard blow to the chest area can also potentially cause a breast implant rupture. To confirm an implant rupture with Silicone gel breast implants, Dr. Corbin recommends patients get an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) .Ruptures in the older silicone implants often stays inside or close to the capsule that has formed around the breast implant. If the surgeon removes the capsule and ruptured breast implant generally they will look for the any residual gel like substance and remove it at the same time. With the new generation of silicone gel breast implants the silicone gel is more cohesive and forms a unit instead of a runny liquid. Some people compare the texture to a gummy bear candy. If the new cohesive gel breast implants are cut in two they hold their shape and the silicone stay in the outer shell. The silicone does not migrate if ruptured. In addition the new implants have an improved stronger outer shell to help protect the implant and avoid ruptures.

Generally, the most common breast implant ruptures are seen in siltex saline breast implants. (Textured Saline Implants). If a saline breast implant ruptures it can deflate quickly like a flat tire or it can have a slow leak that deflates over time. If saline breast implants rupture the sterile saline solution is absorbed by the body. With this type of implant rupture Dr. Corbin recommends replacing the implants soon so that the breast pocket does not scar back down to the chest wall. Both American breast implant manufactures, Mentor and Inamed warranty their breast implants for ruptures for a lifetime. They will replace the breast implants free of charge if they rupture. There are also different extended warranties available to assist the patient with the payment for the surgeon’s fee and operating room and supplies. Go to www.Mentorcorp.com to what options for breast implant warranty mentor offers.