Intracapsular Rupture
Although breast implants last for many years in most cases, they are at risk for eventual rupture. This is true of both silicone and saline breast implants. Women who are interested in breast augmentation shouldn’t be deterred by this risk, but they should be aware of it. Although breast implants last for decades in some cases, they are not intended to be permanent, and can be replaced when necessary.
At our New Orleans plastic surgery practice, Dr. Kamran Khoobehi specializes in breast implant revision. If you have are in need of breast implant revision due to rupture of the implant, Dr. Khoobehi can expertly remove your ruptured implant and artfully replace it with a brand new implant. He has the experience and talent to ensure the most aesthetically pleasing results possible while also making sure that your health is preserved.
How Can I Tell Whether My Implant Is Ruptured?
Most implants eventually rupture. The older an implant gets, the greater its risk of rupture. Sometimes ruptures are obvious; however, this is not always the case.
It is generally easier to notice when a saline breast implant breaks, as the saline usually leaks out very quickly. When this occurs, the implant deflates, leading to a visibly altered breast shape. In most cases, the saline is absorbed harmlessly into the body.
When silicone gel breast implants rupture, leaks are usually much slower due to the consistency of the gel. As a result, silicone gel breast implant ruptures can go unnoticed for months or even years. Eventually, the breast will change shape; more immediate symptoms include tenderness, numbness, swelling, and tingling. In some cases, ruptures may produce no symptoms whatsoever. In these instances, only an MRI can accurately detect a breast implant rupture.
At our plastic surgery practice in New Orleans, breast implant revision can be performed as soon as a rupture is detected. In fact, the sooner breast implant revision is performed, the better.
Intracapsular versus Extracapsular Rupture
When a breast implant is placed, a protective capsule-like lining forms around it. This capsule surrounds the implant; as long as it doesn’t shrink to the point that it contracts the implant, it is perfectly safe and can even be helpful.
All ruptures initially occur within the capsule, a condition called intracapsular rupture. However, over time, the saline or silicone can extend beyond the capsule and spread into the breast tissue and elsewhere in the body. In general, there are few health risks associated with saline implant rupture, unless the saline has become contaminated. Extracapsular silicone gel ruptures are more likely to have negative influence on a patient’s overall health, however, if left untreated.
At our practice in New Orleans, intracapsular rupture can be detected in its earliest stages. It is best to seek assistance as soon as you suspect breast implant rupture, as risks are minimal during the intracapsular rupture stage. Breast implant revision can be performed during the extracapsular rupture stage, as well; however, the earlier you seek treatment, the better.
For further information about intracapsular rupture and breast implant revision, please contact Dr. Kamran Khoobehi at his New Orleans plastic surgery practice today.
