“Plastic Surgeon Near Me” Explains Implant Rupture

by | Apr 8, 2020 | Breast Implant Complications, Plastic Surgeon Feature

It is easy to get excited about the potential results of your breast augmentation. For many women, breast augmentation means increased confidence, self-esteem, and happiness. However, patient satisfaction is affected by expectations and education. Having realistic expectations, and educating yourself about potential complications will give you better results. Below, you will learn about breast implant rupture. You might ask, “What is breast implant rupture and can plastic surgeons near me help avoid a rupture?” We talked to board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Constance Barone to learn more.

Breast Implant Rupture: What is it?

The FDA defines breast implant rupture as “a tear or hole in the implant’s outer shell.” All breast implants are made using a solid silicone shell. Silicone gel breast implants are then filled with thick, sticky silicone gel. Saline and structured breast implants are filled with salt water, also known as saline. When a saline-filled breast implant ruptures, the saline filling leaks out and the implant deflates or becomes misshapen. 

When a Silicone Gel Implant Ruptures

When a silicone gel breast implant ruptures, the silicone gel inside stays within the tissues. This is because silicone gel is thick and cannot be absorbed by the body. According to the FDA, symptoms of a ruptured silicone gel breast implant include “a decrease in breast size, change in breast implant shape, hard lumps over the implant or chest area, an uneven appearance of the breasts, pain or tenderness, tingling, swelling, numbness, burning, or changes in sensation.” If a silicone gel breast implant ruptures without causing physical symptoms, this is called a “silent rupture.” Even the best “plastic surgeons near me” cannot predict if your breast implant will have a silent rupture. Because of the risk of silent rupture, the FDA recommends periodic MRI scans for women with silicone gel breast implants.

When a Saline Implant or Structured Implant Ruptures

Saline has a variety of medicinal uses because it is naturally absorbed by the body. If there is a rupture of the IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implant, the saline inside is naturally absorbed by the body causing the implant to partially deflate. IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implants are made with two chambers and baffled layers to control the movement of saline to give it a natural feel. Rupture detection is as simple as looking in a mirror, and there is no risk of silent rupture.

Breast Implant Sizes: How a Saline-Filled Implant Rupture Feels

To learn more about what happens when saline filled implants rupture, we spoke to Dr. Constance Barone of Barone Plastic Surgery in San Antonio. According to Dr. Barone, an IDEAL IMPLANT rupture and deflation is different from an unstructured saline implant rupture and deflation. Because the IDEAL IMPLANT saline is in two chambers, rupture of one causes “a slight deflation; you don’t have a complete deflation.” However, even a slight deflation is noticeable to the patient and her doctor so there is still no risk of silent rupture. “I think that also helps give women self-confidence,” says Dr. Barone, “the fact that there are dual chambers with saline.” The IDEAL IMPLANT provides instant rupture detection without complete deflation, giving women more time to schedule removal and replacement.

How to Choose Breast Implants With Plastic Surgeons Near Me

When you choose a breast implant, you must weigh the benefits and compromises of each choice. Silicone gel breast implants feel natural, but require regular monitoring to detect silent ruptures. Unstructured saline breast implants offer instant rupture detection, but as Dr. Barone says, “they feel like balloons underneath the chest wall.” IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implants were developed to give women a natural look without the risk of silent rupture. Dr. Barone tells us, “when the IDEAL IMPLANT came out I loved the fact that it was much more natural feeling.” 

During a typical consultation Dr Barone says, “I give my patients brochures on every type of implant. My assistant and nurse go through the different types of implants and the patients feel those implants and they look at those implants.” After discussing how the implants look and feel, Dr. Barone informs her patients of the risks involved with breast augmentation including rupture rates and capsular contracture rates. Take all of these factors into consideration when you decide which breast implant will work best for your body and your peace of mind.  

Visit Dr. Barone for More Breast Implant Sizes and Choices

Dr. Barone is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience. She was named an IDEAL IMPLANT Premier Surgeon because of her extensive experience using this new technology. At Barone Plastic Surgery, you will find a wide variety of breast implant choices and sizes so you can get the look you want.
Considering breast implants in San Antonio? Contact Dr. Constance Barone today to discuss your options. Simply call (210) 614-0400, or visit www.baroneplasticsurgery.com. Dr. Barone’s office is located at 9502 Huebner Road, Suite 202 San Antonio, TX, 78240. Call today for more information on IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implants.