Breast Implant Rupture: What It Means and What to Do

Breast implants are durable medical devices, but like any implant, they are not designed to last forever. One of the potential complications women may face is implant rupture — when the outer shell of the implant tears or breaks.

If you’re experiencing changes in your breasts or suspect your implant may be damaged, it’s important to understand the signs, how rupture is diagnosed, and what your treatment options are.

What Is an Implant Rupture?

An implant rupture occurs when the silicone or saline implant shell becomes compromised, allowing the filling material to leak. This can happen due to:

• • Natural wear and tear over time

• • Trauma or pressure to the chest

• • Capsular contracture (scar tissue squeezing the implant)

• • Manufacturing defects (rare)

• • Age of the implant — most devices are not lifetime implants

Types of Implant Rupture

1. Saline Implant Rupture

Saline implants contain sterile salt water. When they rupture:

• • The fluid leaks out and is safely absorbed by the body

• • The breast typically deflates quickly — often within days

• • Changes are visible and obvious

2. Silicone Implant Rupture

Silicone implants contain a cohesive gel that tends to stay in place. If ruptured:

• • The gel may remain inside the capsule or leak into surrounding tissue

• • Often there are no visible signs — known as a “silent rupture”

• • Requires imaging (MRI or ultrasound) for diagnosis

What Are the Symptoms of Implant Rupture?

Saline Rupture

• • Sudden loss of volume or breast deflation

• • Wrinkling or flattening of the breast

• • No pain or systemic symptoms

Silicone Rupture

• • Subtle change in breast shape or feel

• • Hardening or lumpiness (may signal capsular contracture)

• • Breast pain, swelling, or discomfort

• • Axillary (armpit) lymph node swelling in rare cases

• • No visible changes in many cases

How Is Implant Rupture Diagnosed?

Dr. Ali Soueid conducts a thorough clinical evaluation, often supported by imaging:

• • Ultrasound: Useful for initial assessment

• • MRI: Most accurate tool for detecting silicone rupture

• • Mammography: Occasionally helpful but not first-line for rupture

If you have silicone implants more than 5–10 years old, regular imaging is advised to screen for silent rupture — even if you feel well.

What Should I Do If I Suspect a Rupture?

1. 1. Don’t panic. Rupture is not a medical emergency but should be addressed promptly.

1. 1. Stop manipulating the breast or applying pressure.

1. 1. Book a consultation with a plastic surgeon experienced in implant removal and replacement.

1. 1. Prepare for imaging to confirm the rupture and assess the implant capsule.

Is a Ruptured Implant Dangerous?

• • Saline ruptures are harmless — the body absorbs the fluid naturally.

• • Silicone ruptures are not toxic, but can cause local tissue reaction, inflammation, or capsular contracture if left untreated.

• • In rare cases, leaked silicone may migrate to lymph nodes or require more complex removal.

Timely diagnosis and treatment are key to avoiding complications.

Treatment Options for Implant Rupture

Implant rupture is fully treatable with surgery. Your options depend on your goals and whether you want to replace the implant or not.

1. Explantation (Implant Removal Only)

• • Suitable for patients who want to remove implants permanently

• • May be combined with a breast lift or fat grafting to restore shape

2. Implant Removal and Replacement

• • Common choice for women who wish to maintain breast volume

• • Allows the opportunity to change size, shape, or implant type

• • Often includes a capsulectomy (removal of scar tissue) for optimal results

3. En Bloc Capsulectomy

• • Entire implant and surrounding capsule are removed as one unit

• • Considered in cases of rupture, chronic inflammation, or patient preference

• Requires an experienced plastic surgeon to perform safely

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my breast implant has ruptured?

If you have saline implants, look for a rapid change in size. With silicone, subtle shape changes, firmness, or discomfort may be the only clues.

Is it urgent to replace a ruptured implant?

It’s not a medical emergency, but silicone rupture should not be ignored. Early removal prevents complications.

Will insurance or a warranty cover the cost?

Most reputable implant manufacturers offer rupture warranties that cover a replacement implant, and sometimes surgical costs. Check with your surgeon.

Can I replace the implant with a different size or style?

Yes. Many women use rupture surgery as an opportunity to update their breast size, shape, or implant type to better fit their current goals.

Why Choose Dr. Ali Soueid for Implant Rupture Surgery?

• • Consultant plastic surgeon with expertise in complex breast revision

• • Practices in London, Dubai, Doha, and Beirut

• • Specialises in natural, aesthetic results — even after rupture

• • Offers same-day consultations and advanced imaging where available

• • Individualised surgical planning with focus on safety and symmetry

Book a Consultation

If you suspect your breast implant has ruptured — or you’re simply unsure — don’t wait. Get answers from an expert.

Book a confidential consultation with Dr. Ali Soueid in London, Doha, Dubai, or Beirut, and receive expert care tailored to your needs.