If you have breast implants, it’s important to know what you should do in case an implant ruptures. Whether the deflation is immediate or the leak is gradual, ruptured breast implants have a negative impact on your appearance. The problem could potentially have an adverse effect on your health as well. Thankfully, San Mateo, CA plastic surgeon John R. Griffin can correct ruptured implants through breast augmentation revision surgery.
Let’s take a moment to consider the causes and signs of ruptured breast implants. We’ll then go over the process of replacing the deflated implant(s) and the results of this procedure.
Causes of Breast Implant Ruptures
Some common causes of ruptured breast implants include:
- Physical trauma to the chest/breasts
- Sports injuries
- Auto accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Problems related to other medical procedures around the chest area
It’s also possible for breast implants to rupture as a result of being under-filled or over-filled. In these cases, it’s more likely for tears to form.
The Signs of Implant Deflation
If saline implants rupture, patients will notice a major reduction in breast size. This deflation is the telltale sign of a ruptured breast implant. Keep in mind that this change in implant size can happen gradually if there is a small leak in the saline implant. Be mindful of major changes of breast symmetry.
Detecting silicone breast implant ruptures can be more challenging since the silicone leaks out slowly. That said, the following signs are common:
- Breast pain
- Swelling around the chest
- Hardening of the breast
- Tingling of the breast area
- Hard knots and lumps developing in the implant
If you notice any of the above issues, be sure to discuss them with your plastic surgeon or your general practitioner as soon as possible.
How Breast Implant Revision Works
A breast implant revision will involve the removal of the ruptured breast implant and the placement of a new breast implant. This restores the appearance of the breast and, in the case of silicone implants, helps prevent adverse health risks associated with a leaking breast implant.
Switching to a Different Kind of Implant during Revision
Sometimes breast implant revision patients decide to change aspects of their breast implant during revision. Patients who suffered a saline implant leak may opt for silicone instead or vice versa. Some patients may even ask to get larger or smaller breast implants as part of the revision process.
During the consultation process, we can go over your cosmetic goals and how we can meet them while simultaneously removing the ruptured implant.
What to Expect during Breast Implant Revision
Whenever possible, plastic surgeons will limit scarring by performing the revision procedure through the incision sites of the initial surgery. The old breast implant will be removed and the new implant placed. Local anesthetic and general anesthesia will be used to prevent patient pain, discomfort, and anxiety.
The recovery process from breast implant revision is comparable to that of the initial breast augmentation procedure.
The Results of Breast Implant Revision
Thanks to breast implant revision, patients will no longer have to deal with the problems associated with a deflated breast implant. The new breast implant will restore the patient’s appearance, allowing them to return to normal activities looking their best.
Learn More about Breast Implant Revision
For more information about treating ruptured breast implants and improving your appearance in the process, contact our cosmetic plastic surgery center. Dr. Griffin and his team are here to help. You can also reach the practice by phone at (650) 348-1503.
