Breast Implant Rupture

Breast Implant Rupture Symptoms

A breast implant rupture is a complication that occurs when an implant tears. The tear in the implant causes saline or silicone gel to leak into the breast tissue.

What Happens if a Breast Implant Ruptures?

You will notice symptoms of breast implant rupture when you start feeling the following. 

• Pain and tenderness around the implant area
• Change in breast shape and size
• Lumps in the breast area or armpit
• Swelling, redness or warmth in the breast
• Numbness or a tingling sensation
• A burning or itching sensation in the breast

Once you experience any of the above signs of breast implant rupture, immediately consult your surgeon. Because if not treated, a ruptured breast implant may cause infection, scarring and even breast cancer.

Breast Implant Rupture Treatments

The treatment for ruptured breast implants depends on the severity of the implant tear. You may need immediate breast implant removal if the tear is a significant rupture.

1. Treatment for Ruptured Silicone Breast Implant
   A silicone breast implant rupture typically needs surgical intervention to address any leaking silicone gel. During the procedure, the surgeon may also perform a capsulectomy.
2. Treatment for Saline Breast Implant Rupture
   Unlike the silicone breast implant, the saline solution that leaks from a saline implant is absorbed by the body naturally. The surgeon may recommend a breast implant correction surgery.

How to Prevent Breast Implant Rupture

Breast implant rupture is not always preventable. However, the following steps can help minimize your risk.

Below are some tips to help prevent breast implant rupture: 

• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity after surgery
• Follow the post-surgery instructions
• Always choose a certified and experienced plastic surgeon
• Go for regular checkups to help address problems promptly
• Replace your implants every 10-15 years
• Consider choosing gummy bear implants that are filled with a cohesive gel and keeps its shape better than traditional saline and silicone implants. Gummies are less likely to cause problems, such as rupturing or rippling. Also, these implants are known to last up to twenty (20) years.. 

Cost to Replace Ruptured Breast Implant

You should replace your breast implants every 10 to 15 years to avoid ruptures. If you are considering ruptured breast implant removal or replacement, it’s essential to consider factors such as the surgeon’s fee; the types of implant; and the extent of the procedure. The average cost of removing breast implants is between $3,500 and $6,000; while replacement costs range from $5,000 to $8,000.

Does Insurance Pay for Removal of Ruptured Breast Implants?

Insurance companies may cover the cost of the procedure; such as in the case where you are experiencing health issues related to your implants. However, in most cases, ruptured breast implant removal and replacement are considered cosmetic procedures and are not covered. Fortunately, there are some convenient options available for financing cosmetic procedures.

Choosing a Surgeon for Implant Removal

Breast argumentation surgery is a popular solution for women looking to enhance the shape and appearance of their breasts. However, complications may occur after breast augmentation surgery, including infections, illness and rippling. Once you notice sudden changes in the shape and size of your breasts, tenderness, pain, swelling or tingling, contact your surgeon immediately. These signs may indicate a breast implant rupture. Your surgeon may recommend the removal of ruptured breast implants and replacement, depending on the extent of the tear. Most importantly, get in touch with your surgeon to discuss the way forward.

Removing Breast Implants and Replacing with Fat

A better alternative for removal and revision is to replace breast implants with fat. This is because artificial breast implants can shift, collapse or rupture. All of these scenarios will negatively affect a patient’s health. The breast implant fat transfer procedure utilizes a person’s own body fat to avoid complications as indicated above.