Breast augmentation interventions are the most common in cosmetic surgery. This has meant that implants have improved over time to become more realistic, more comfortable and also safer. However, this does not imply that the new implants, however modern they may be, do not have a finite useful life. All implants need to be replaced at some point, as wear and tear can cause them to break over time. It is important to know, then, what the symptoms of breast implant rupture are in order to identify them immediately. In this blog post you will find all the answers you need.

Main symptoms of breast implant rupture

Most implant manufacturers claim that their useful life is around 10 years. However, in many cases this time can be extended much longer. Some manufacturers even offer a lifetime guarantee on their implants and a free replacement in case they break. In any case, statistically there will also be cases in which the implants rupture before that time, so it is important to be attentive to the symptoms. Professionals recommend carrying out annual check-ups even before the 10-year term is up, but especially after that, since it is not so easy to detect a ruptured implant.

It is also important to note that symptoms may be somewhat different depending on whether it is a silicone gel or saline implant. In both cases, the implants can break due to repeated or very strong trauma, due to manufacturing faults or due to the wear of the material over time.

Among the symptoms of silicone gel breast implant rupture we can identify a feeling of numbness and tingling in the breast. In addition, other symptoms may appear, such as some pain or discomfort, both inside and around the breasts. Through touch, it is often possible to identify small lumps of material that form in the chest area, armpit, or even arm. A curious fact is that both a hardening of the breast and a softening of the breast can be experienced, depending on how the material is accommodated within the pocket. For saline implants, there are particular symptoms that are typical of this material. For example, it is common to experience a marked reduction in the size of the breast, as the material inside is lost. Sensitivity in the area may also be lost a little, and certain ripples and indentations may be observed in the breast.

There are some symptoms that are common, regardless of the type of implants you have. For example, it is common to experience redness in the area when an implant ruptures. But perhaps the most obvious sign of an implant rupture is the asymmetry between both breasts. As a matter of logic, it is very unlikely that both implants will rupture at the same time and in the same way. The most normal thing is that the break affects only one, or at least one more than the other. Therefore, when noticing an asymmetry between the breasts, we may be facing an implant that has been damaged.

What risks are there with breast implant rupture symptoms

In general, there is no evidence linking significant risks to implant rupture. This does not mean that there are no precautions to be taken, but with the advancement of technology, materials are becoming more noble and less dangerous. In fact, the main drawbacks are physical and not chemical. There is no reaction of the body to the substance that is released, but the main problem is that the material begins to be distributed to the rest of the body. Therefore, it is important that before the symptoms of breast implant rupture, proceed to remove it.

In short, the main risk of implant rupture is time. Although it does not represent an emergency, it is important that many months do not elapse to prevent the material from moving to places of the body that are difficult to access. So even if you don’t suspect an implant has ruptured, it’s important to have regular checkups to make sure everything is in place.

What to do if a breast implant ruptures

When you identify or suspect that an implant has ruptured, the first thing you should do is contact your doctor. Although it does not represent an emergency, it is important not to let too much time pass to minimize the risk of migration, encapsulation and formation of lumps in different parts of the body. Through a consultation, a date will be set to remove the old implants. In addition, it is possible to make the change for new implants, if you wish. In most cases, this can be done right away, so it won’t be too difficult.

If you have any questions or symptoms of breast implant rupture in Miami, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Anne-Sophie Lessard’s clinic. With extensive experience and recognition in the area of cosmetic surgery, Dr. Sophie also has the sensitivity to care for her patients with the greatest care and advise them with the best solutions.