The effects of an implant leak depend on whether you have saline or silicone implants. With saline implants, you'll notice an immediate "deflation" of the breast when a leak occurs. The salt water inside is harmless and will be safely absorbed by your body. However, you'll need surgery to remove or replace the implant Show Full Answer
The effects of an implant leak depend on whether you have saline or silicone implants. With saline implants, you'll notice an immediate "deflation" of the breast when a leak occurs. The salt water inside is harmless and will be safely absorbed by your body. However, you'll need surgery to remove or replace the implant shell.
For silicone implants, leaks may be harder to detect initially. You might notice changes in breast shape, swelling in armpit lymph nodes, or other changes in how your breast looks or feels. While silicone leaks don't cause serious health problems, they do require medical attention. The FDA recommends that people with silicone implants get regular screening with MRIs or ultrasounds starting 5-6 years after placement and every 2-3 years afterward to check for potential leaks. If you suspect a leak, contact your surgeon right away. While implant ruptures aren't life-threatening emergencies, they do need to be addressed through surgery to remove or replace the damaged implant.
April 27, 2025
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