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Breast Implant Rupture and Symptoms: Understanding the Risks

implanthealdev on June 16, 2023

Breast Implant Rupture

Breast augmentation surgery has long been a popular choice for women seeking to enhance their appearance and boost their self-confidence. However, as with any medical procedure, there are risks involved. One significant risk associated with breast implants is rupture, which occurs when the implant shell tears or breaks. Understanding the signs and symptoms of a breast implant rupture is crucial for early detection and appropriate medical intervention.

Breast Implant Rupture

Breast implant rupture can occur in both saline-filled and silicone gel-filled implants, although the signs and symptoms can differ between the two types. In the case of saline implants, the rupture is usually more noticeable as the saline solution leaks out rapidly, leading to a deflation of the affected breast. This sudden change in breast size and shape is often a clear indicator that a rupture has occurred. In some cases, the saline solution may be absorbed by the body, resulting in no noticeable physical changes.

Silicone gel-filled implants, on the other hand, present a different challenge. When a rupture occurs in these implants, the gel tends to remain within the breast capsule or migrate to other areas of the body. This silent rupture may not be immediately detectable without medical imaging, making regular monitoring and follow-up crucial for women with silicone gel-filled implants.

While some women with a breast implant rupture may not experience any noticeable symptoms, others may exhibit certain indicators that warrant medical attention. These symptoms can vary depending on the type of implant and the severity of the rupture. Common symptoms associated with a ruptured implant include:

  1. Change in breast size or shape: As mentioned earlier, a sudden deflation or alteration in breast size and shape may be evident in cases of saline implant rupture.
  2. Pain or discomfort: Some women may experience pain or tenderness in the breast or chest area, which can be a result of a ruptured implant.
  3. Lump or mass: In certain cases, a rupture may cause the formation of a lump or a palpable mass in the breast or armpit area.
  4. Changes in breast texture: The affected breast may feel unusually firm, uneven, or distorted.
  5. Swelling or inflammation: Ruptured implants can lead to localized swelling or inflammation around the breast.
  6. Numbness or tingling: Nerve compression or irritation due to a ruptured implant may result in numbness or tingling sensations in the breast or arm.

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other breast-related conditions. Therefore, if a woman experiences any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

Diagnosing a breast implant rupture typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and possibly further investigations. Techniques such as mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are commonly used to assess the integrity of the implant and detect any leaks or ruptures.

If an implant rupture is confirmed, the recommended course of action will depend on various factors, including the type of implant, the extent of the rupture, and the woman’s overall health. In some cases, surgical removal or replacement of the implant may be necessary, while others may opt for a conservative approach if the rupture is not causing significant issues.

In conclusion, breast implant rupture is a potential complication associated with breast augmentation surgery. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of a rupture is crucial for early detection and appropriate medical intervention. Regular monitoring, follow-up appointments, and open communication with healthcare professionals are essential for maintaining breast health and ensuring timely intervention if a rupture occurs. As with any surgical procedure, informed consent and thorough discussions about potential risks and benefits are vital for women considering breast augmentation surgery.

Check if your breast implants are ruptured

If you have concerns about your breast implants, Implant Health can help. We encourage regular breast implant check-ups of your implants to address issues and check for any problems. To get a check-up, please book an appointment.

 

Worried about your breast implants?

If you’re worried about your implants, we can help.

The benefits of breast implant checks include the early detection of implant-related problems and the ability to monitor how your breast and implant change over time.

Book A Breast Implant Health Check

Is Something Wrong with My Breast Implant?

implanthealdev on June 14, 2023

Is Something Wrong with My Breast Implant?

Whilst breast augmentation remains one of the safest cosmetic procedures on the market, it is important to remember that like any surgical procedure, they can carry a risk of potential complications. 

In this blog, we will look at some of the most reported complications and some of the symptoms to look out for. 

Capsular contracture

This occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant and tightens, causing the breast to feel hard or misshapen.

The symptoms of capsular contracture may include:

  • Tightness or firmness in the breast
  • Breast pain or discomfort
  • A distorted or misshapen breast appearance
  • A feeling of tightness or pressure in the breast
  • Visible rippling or wrinkling of the breast
  • Difficulty moving or raising the arm on the affected side
  • Nipple inversion or retraction
  • Asymmetry between the two breasts

The severity of capsular contracture can vary from mild to severe, and it can occur at any time after breast implant surgery, although it tends to be more common in the first few years following surgery. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention from a qualified plastic surgeon, as treatment may be necessary to correct the problem.

 Breast Implant rupture

This occurs when the outer shell of the implant breaks or tears, causing the contents of the implant to leak into the surrounding tissue.

The symptoms of breast implant rupture can vary, but here are some of the most common symptoms:

  • Pain or discomfort in the breast
  • Sudden changes in breast size/ shape
  • Hardening or thickening of breast tissue
  • Skin rash or irritation
  • Uneven appearance 
  • Numbness or tingling in the breast or arms
  • Swelling, redness, or warmth in the breast
  • Lumps or masses in the breast
  • Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit

Implant displacement

This occurs when the implant shifts from its original position and can cause asymmetry or distortion of the breast. Implant malposition can occur at any time after breast implant surgery, and may be caused by trauma, capsular contracture, or other factors.

Here are some common symptoms associated with implant displacement:

  • Asymmetry or unevenness between the two breasts
  • Visible or palpable movement of the implant
  • Visible rippling or wrinkling of the breast
  • Difficulty moving or raising the arm on the affected side
  • Changes in the shape or contour of the breast
  • Pain or discomfort in the breast
  • Nipple inversion or retraction

Treatment options for implant displacement may include surgical correction or replacement of the implant, depending on the severity of the displacement and the patient’s individual needs. It’s important to seek medical attention from a qualified plastic surgeon if you experience any of these symptoms after breast implant surgery.

Breast Implant Infection

This occurs when bacteria enter the breast tissue or implant during or after surgery and can cause pain, swelling, and redness. Some common symptoms of breast implant infection include:

  • Pain, tenderness, or swelling in the breast
  • Redness or warmth in the breast
  • Fever or chills
  • Drainage or pus from the incision site or around the implant
  • Foul-smelling discharge from the breast
  • Fatigue or malaise
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Nausea or vomiting

Breast implant infection is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. If you experience any of these symptoms after breast implant surgery, it’s important to contact your plastic surgeon right away. 

Seroma

This occurs when fluid accumulates around the implant and can cause swelling, pain, or infection. Symptoms may include:

  • Swelling or fullness in the breast
  • A feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the breast
  • Visible or palpable fluid accumulation around the implant
  • A palpable lump or mass in the breast
  • Changes in breast shape or contour

Now, breast seromas can occur within the first few days or weeks after surgery, but they may also develop later. If you experience any of these symptoms after breast implant surgery, it’s important to contact your plastic surgeon right away for an evaluation.

 Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)

This is a very rare type of cancer that has been linked to breast implants. Symptoms include:

  • Persistent swelling or pain in the breast
  • A lump or mass in the breast or armpit
  • Redness or rash on the breast
  • Hardening of breast tissue
  • Fever or night sweats
  • Fatigue or malaise
  • Unexplained weight loss

It’s important to remember that the complications are not common, and many women with breast implants have no issues. Before you undergo any type of procedure, your chosen surgeon will discuss the risks with you, and be on hand following your surgery with post-operative instructions to ensure you are healing properly. 

If you have any questions about breast implant complications, or to book a Breast Implant Health screening, contact our experts.

If you are concerned about something being wrong with your breast implant or would like to book a breast health screening contact our experts at Implant Health.

Worried about your breast implants?

If you’re worried about your implants, we can help.

The benefits of breast implant checks include the early detection of implant-related problems and the ability to monitor how your breast and implant change over time.

Book A Breast Implant Health Check

Why should I get my breast implants checked?

implanthealdev on June 5, 2023

Why should I get my breast implants checked?

Silicone implants used for breast augmentation (“boob job”) or breast reconstruction are medical devices that, like all devices, are subject to wear and tear. With time, thinning of the implant shell can occur, which leads to weakening of the implant and rupture. Most implant ruptures are asymptomatic (silent ruptures), confined to the implant capsule and can only be detected on imaging. Less commonly, breast implant ruptures may lead to the development of implant hardening/tightening (capsular contracture) or swelling of the breast.

If you have any concerns about your implants, assessment by an expert surgeon and implant imaging are important to identify whether your implants are intact. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend radiological surveillance for all implants that have been in place for more than 2 years and this is considered best practice within the field. At Implant Health we believe that implant screening by an expert team of clinicians can reassure you that your implants are healthy and, if not, guide you to expert surgeons who can help treat the problem.

Worried about your breast implants?

If you’re worried about your implants, we can help.

The benefits of breast implant checks include the early detection of implant-related problems and the ability to monitor how your breast and implant change over time.

Book A Breast Implant Health Check

How to tell if your implant is ruptured

implanthealdev on April 5, 2023

How to tell if your implant is ruptured

A common worry for women who have breast implants is whether the breast implant is ruptured or not.  This can become a source of worry particularly when the implants have been in place for a long time or after an injury to the breast.  Clinical examination alone is not very good at diagnosing a breast implant rupture, particularly if it is a ‘silent’ rupture. This means that there are no outward signs that the implant is ruptured. Some ruptures can extend beyond the implant capsule (extracapsular ruptures) and can cause an inflammatory response resulting in swelling, or hardening, of the breast. This can be associated with enlarged lymph glands under the arm because of silicone migration. At Implant Health our diagnostic packages combine expert clinical and radiological assessment to give you a rapid answer on the health of your implants and peace of mind.

Worried about your breast implants?

If you’re worried about your implants, we can help.

The benefits of breast implant checks include the early detection of implant-related problems and the ability to monitor how your breast and implant change over time.

Book A Breast Implant Health Check