Breast Implant Repair

What do I do if it feels like one of my breast implants is leaking? First of all, call Dr. Horowitz right away. A ruptured or deflated saline implant poses no immediate health risk, but it will certainly look and feel strange. Although there is no clear evidence that a leaking silicone implant is dangerous, the general recommendation is to remove silicone implants that have ruptured. Proper diagnosis of a failed silicone breast implant may require an MRI.

What is the cost of breast implant repair?

Depending on the age of the implants, they may be backed by a manufacturer’s warranty, which can help to cover the replacement cost.

Is breast implant deflation a common occurrence?

Implant deflation is not common, but happens for multiple reasons. In some cases, problems occur because the implant is not filled to the manufacturer’s specified range. In others, failure may be caused by “texturing,” which results in excess wrinkling and premature wear. The implant may rupture in response to significant trauma. For some who experience breast implant deflation, the cause may be as innocent as regular wear and tear over time.

How is implant replacement performed?

In the event of implant failure, safe removal and replacement can be achieved in a surgical procedure similar to the original breast augmentation. Usually the same breast augmentation incision is used to approach the deflated implant.

If desired by the patient, the ruptured implant can be removed and not replaced, but additional surgery may be required to improve the breast’s shape, such as a mastopexy.

How long does it take to recover from breast implant exchange?

Recovery from breast implant repair surgery is usually easier than the original surgery, since the pectoralis muscle has already been stretched.