What happens when a breast implant leaks?
A silicone breast implant consists of a strong outer layer of silicone containing a cohesive (thick, shape-stable) silicone gel. When the outer shell tears, we speak of an implant rupture.
There are two forms:
Intracapsular rupture
The silicone gel stays within the connective tissue capsule that the body has formed around the implant. This is the most common situation.
Extracapsular rupture
The silicone gel spreads outside the capsule into the surrounding tissue.
Modern silicone gel is firm and does not flow freely through the body as with older generations of implants. Still, spread into surrounding tissue can occur, especially with an extracapsular rupture.
How does silicone leakage occur?
Silicone leakage can have various causes:
- Wear of the implant over time
- A hard blow or accident
- Increasing capsule formation that puts pressure on the implant
- Damage during or after the operation
- In rare cases, a manufacturing defect
Breast implants do not last a lifetime. The chance of a tear increases as the implant gets older, particularly after ten to fifteen years.
What are possible symptoms?
A ruptured silicone implant does not always cause symptoms. That is why it is sometimes called a “silent rupture”.
When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Change in the shape or size of the breast
- Increased hardening
- Pain or tenderness
- Swelling
- Asymmetry
- A tight feeling
Because symptoms may be absent, imaging is used to get certainty. This can be done with an ultrasound, but an MRI scan is the most reliable way to establish silicone leakage.
Is silicone leakage dangerous?
In most cases, silicone leakage does not cause acute health problems. The silicone gel often stays largely in the place of the implant.
However, leakage can eventually lead to local reactions, such as worsening of capsule formation or inflammation of the surrounding tissue. That is why, when leakage has been established, it is often advised to remove or
replace the implant, especially when there are symptoms or when the silicone has spread outside the capsule.
What happens during treatment?
When leakage is established, the plastic surgeon discusses the options. These may include:
Removing the implant
The ruptured Implant is removed. Sometimes the choice is made not to place a new implant.
Replacing the implant
In many cases, the implant is replaced with a new one during the same operation.
Removing the capsule
When there is clear capsule formation or an inflammatory reaction, it may be necessary to remove the surrounding connective tissue capsule as well.
The procedure usually takes place under general anaesthetic and is technically similar to a revision operation of a breast augmentation.
When is a check-up advisable?
Do you have breast implants and notice changes in shape, firmness or sensation? Then it is advisable to have this assessed. Even without symptoms, a check-up can be useful when implants have been in place for a long time.
Sometimes regular check-ups are sufficient. In other situations, replacement is the better choice. This depends on the findings of the examination, the age of the implants and any symptoms.
Are you unsure about the condition of your breast implants? Then it is advisable to discuss this with a plastic surgeon. During a consultation we explain what is going on and which options there are, so that you can make a decision that suits your situation.
