Leaking Breast ImplantA leaking breast implant might pose a considerable health danger to an affected woman. Breast implants are not designed to last forever and are likely to fail at some point during their lifespan. Depending on the type of implant, damage or aging might cause the outer shell to rupture completely or simply leak slowly.
Most
saline breast implants
will completely rupture rather quickly. The interior filler material in a saline prosthesis is akin to water and will normally find its way out of even the smallest holes in the outer shell. A considerable leak will usually be noticeable very quickly and many saline implants might deflate almost immediately. While the saline filler material should not pose any risk to organic tissue, a damaged implant shell can create problems inside the breast. Any leaking or ruptured shell should be removed and replaced, as soon as possible, to prevent potentially harmful tissue interactions.
Traditional
silicone breast implants
contain a viscous liquid silicone filler material. This jelly can leak out of holes in the exterior implant shell and will not be absorbed by the body. Silicone does not break down and any material which migrates out of the implant shell should be collected surgically and removed along with the damaged shell. Although not proven to cause specific health risks, it is recognized that silicone should not be left to move freely about the body or remain in any organic tissue. Leaking silicone breast implants might not be noticeable for a long time, since the filler is relatively thick. Many silicone implants can leak for an extended time frame before being discovered as a potential health risk. This is why it is so important to have regular breast and implant exams, especially if you have older style silicone prostheses.
Breast Implant Leak / Cohesive SiliconeCohesive silicone gel breast implants should not leak, even if the outer shell is compromised or broken. The interior filler material is a jelly solid form of silicone which is chemically bonded to itself. Particles should not break off to any large degree and the chances of silicone leaking outside the shell are highly unlikely. This is one of the primary benefits of the cohesive implant style. The look and feel is excellent and the durability is the best of any existing implant to date.Leaking Breast Implant AdviceRegardless of what type of breast implants you currently have, you must maintain them through regular breast self exams and the occasional full medical checkup. The risk from leaking implants goes far beyond the actual loose filler material. Additional risks include damage to interior breast tissue or even the chance of the implant breaking through the skin, if it develops a sharp edge. Preventative measures will help insure that your breast implants will not rupture or leak before their time. Always try to avoid extreme compression or impact on the breasts. Use a radiology technician who is familiar with breast implant mammography and get your implants checked out immediately after any significant trauma.Leaking Breast Implant to Breast Surgery 2/16/09 Revised 6/9/11 |
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