A breast implant rupture is a sudden tear or hole that develops in the outer shell of the device, causing saline or silicone gel to leak out into the body. Saline implants deflate quickly and behave like a popped water balloon, while silicone implant leaks are known as “silent ruptures” and are often not immediately noticeable.
Dr. Michael A. Howard is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery. He leads MH Plastic Surgery with the goal to deliver lasting results to his patients. He demonstrates his commitment to medical excellence by maintaining expertise in advanced techniques, including body contouring and microvascular surgery. If you want to address a breast implant rupture and restore your self-esteem, call our office at (224) 271-4250 to request a personal consultation.
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What Is Breast Implant Rupture?
A breast implant rupture is a structural failure of a saline or silicone device results in an internal leak. Breast implant ruptures have occurred in roughly 10% to 15% of cases within 10 to 15 years, with risks increasing with implant age, type, and surgical factors. (1) Saline implant ruptures typically present with visible deflation and breast asymmetry. In contrast, silicone implant ruptures are “silent” and require MRI scans or ultrasound techniques for detection.
After the surgeon places an implant, your body naturally creates a thin, fibrous capsule around it. An intracapsular rupture is contained, while an extracapsular rupture requires extra attention. A saline implant rupture results in the leakage of biologically inert saline solution that is reabsorbed by the body over time. Silicone implant rupture can lead to further complications, as the synthetic material can lead to local tissue reactions and scar formation. (1)
Signs of Breast Implant Rupture
Patients with saline implants most often notice volume loss as the primary sign of rupture. While the leaked fluid will eventually be absorbed, the deflated shell will remain in the chest and need to be removed. In rare cases where internal contamination is present in a saline implant, a severe infection can spread when it ruptures. If you have silicone implants, they may move freely inside the capsular pocket. Beyond the inflammatory process in the thickened capsule, some silicone can migrate into the surrounding tissue or, in rare cases, travel to the lungs, liver, and brain. (2) With a silicone implant rupture, you may experience burning, lumps, and allergic or autoimmune reactions from leaking silicone.
Signs of a potential breast implant rupture:
- Abnormal breast size and symmetry
- New breast masses
- Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits
- Skin changes in the affected breast
- Nipple discharge
Treatment for Breast Implant Rupture
Swift treatment after a breast implant rupture is important to prevent further complications. The best treatment options are a breast implant removal or a breast implant replacement, both of which Dr. Howard performs as outpatient procedures under general anesthesia.
Breast Implant Removal
Dr. Howard removes the empty shell of a ruptured silicone implant, as well as a ruptured silicone implant (intracapsular or extracapsular), to avoid interactions with surrounding tissue and potential spread through local lymph nodes. A breast implant removal is ideal after rupture, as it can relieve physical discomfort and reduce risks of further complications. (3) Dr. Howard will use the same incision site from your original breast augmentation. He will carefully remove the implant and, if planned, reshape the surrounding breast tissue. Dr. Howard aims to achieve natural-looking, symmetrical results while minimizing new scarring.
Breast Implant Replacement
Dr. Howard performs a breast implant replacement (revision breast augmentation) to remove existing breast implants and replace them with updated devices. This procedure allows you to choose a new implant type or size and remove foreign materials and hardened scar tissue. A breast implant replacement can also improve the appearance of the breasts, relieve physical discomfort, prevent further complications, and enhance self-confidence. Dr. Howard will carefully remove the existing implants through the original surgical scars. Next, he will adjust the pockets to accommodate the new implants, then place them for optimal symmetry before closing the incisions with fine sutures.
Candidates
You may be a candidate for breast implant replacement removal if you have confirmed or suspected saline or silicone implant failure, such as sudden deflation or silent gel leaks. Ideal candidates should meet the following requirements:
- Show signs of a ruptured implant, such as tenderness, swelling, hardening, or asymmetry
- Receive confirmation through a physical examination, ultrasound, or MRI
- Be medically cleared for general anesthesia
- Be a non-smoker
- Be able to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications prior to the procedure
- Maintain relatively good health and have realistic expectations for results
If you meet these criteria, you can schedule your personal consultation, where Dr. Howard will fully determine your candidacy for treatment.
Personal Consultation
During your personal consultation, Dr. Howard will begin by evaluating your medical history and discussing your concerns and goals. After performing a physical examination, Dr. Howard will tailor a treatment plan to your needs, ensuring that your procedure is designed to alleviate the physical and aesthetic concerns you may be experiencing. Call our office at (224) 271-4250 to schedule your personal consultation.
Preparation
To effectively prepare for your breast implant removal or replacement procedure, Dr. Howard advises you to:
- Undergo a physical exam and imaging tests
- Avoid certain blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory medications and supplements
- Stop smoking or using nicotine products
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Arrange transportation home from your procedure
- Prepare a comfortable recovery area at home
Recovery
Following your procedure, it is normal to experience some bruising, swelling, and discomfort, all of which should begin to improve after the first week. During this initial period, you must refrain from strenuous activities and avoid lifting your arms above shoulder level. Additionally, please make sure to keep your incisions clean and dry, and you must continue to wear a compression garment as instructed by Dr. Howard.
After two weeks, you may reintroduce light activities into your routine; this includes returning to a desk job and participating in non-strenuous exercise. You will complete your full recovery after five to eight weeks, in which you can resume high-impact workouts and heavy lifting. You will also see the majority of the swelling fade as your chest tissues heal and adapt to their new shape.
Results
A breast implant removal or replacement procedure will refine your breast shape and size, while alleviating the side effects of an implant rupture. If you undergo an implant removal, your breasts will be streamlined in size and have a more natural look and feel. If you undergo an implant replacement, your new implants refresh the shape, size, and elevation of your breasts. These results will transform your self-confidence and improve your self-esteem.
Cost of Breast Implant Rupture Treatment in Chicago
The total cost of your breast implant rupture treatment will depend on the type of procedure you undergo, and the surgical techniques Dr. Howard uses. He will provide you with a detailed cost outline during your personal consultation as well as address any lingering questions or concerns you may have. Call our office at (224) 271-4250 to schedule your personal consultation today.
FAQ
What causes a breast implant rupture?
Over time, natural wear and tear can cause a breast implant to pop or its outer silicone shell to develop a hole or tear, resulting in a rupture. This occurrence can be triggered by stress from surgical damage, physical trauma, or normal aging.
What are the signs of an implant rupture?
The most common sign of a saline implant rupture is a rapid deflation of the breasts. A silicone implant rupture must be confirmed by an MRI or ultrasound scan.
What are different treatment options for a breast implant rupture?
When a breast implant ruptures, patients have two primary choices: removal or replacement. Prompt removal of the damaged implant is critical to avoid additional complications. Ultimately, individuals can decide whether to have new devices inserted or to remain implant-free.
Can a breast implant rupture go untreated?
Although a rupture can be left untreated for a short period, Dr. Howard recommends addressing the issue promptly. Taking quick action helps avoid potential infections and other long-term health risks.
How much does a breast implant rupture treatment cost?
The cost of your breast implant rupture treatment depends on the procedure you choose to undergo and the surgical techniques Dr. Howard will utilize to deliver the best and most natural results, risk-free. He will provide you with a detailed cost outline during your personal consultation.
References
- Gossman W, Shikhman R, Moufarrege R. Breast Implant Rupture. StatPearls Publishing; 2019. Accessed July 29, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459308/
- Hillard C, Fowler J D, Barta R, Cunningham B. Silicone breast implant rupture: a review. Gland surgery. 2017;6(2):163-168. doi:10.21037/gs.2016.09.12
- Knoedler S, Alfertshofer M, Rams DJ, et al. Breast Implant Removal Surgery: A Data-driven Look at Growing Trends. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2024;12(12):e6402. doi:10.1097/gox.0000000000006402