If you have researched breast augmentation for any amount of time, chances are you have run across ruptured breast implant pictures. While these pictures can be jarring, you may wonder “do I really need to worry about a rupture?” and “if my implant ruptures will it really look like that?” The truth is, a small portion of women who get breast implants do experience implant rupture. However, the breast implant you choose will have an impact on your level of risk. We spoke to Dr. Kent Hasen, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Naples, Florida, to learn how the latest breast implant technology is lowering women’s rupture risk and giving them great looking results. Read below to learn how you can choose the best breast implant for your body, and your peace of mind.
Different Implant Types
To understand ruptures you need to understand implant types. The FDA has approved three different types of breast implants for cosmetic enhancement: unstructured saline breast implants, silicone gel breast implants, and IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implants. Every type of breast implant is made with a solid silicone shell, then filled with either saline or silicone gel.
- Unstructured Saline Breast Implants: This implant type is made from one shell filled with sterile saline, the same fluid used in IV bags and naturally absorbed by the body if it ruptures. Ruptured breast implant pictures showing unstructured saline implants may resemble a deflated water balloon. As Dr. Hasen describes this implant, “it is very safe but feels kind of like an old-time water bed” and tends to ripple or wrinkle under the skin because of the lack of internal structure.
- Silicone Gel Breast Implants: The silicone gel that fills this type of implant is a thick, sticky substance that in some implants resembles honey or syrup, and in others is closer in firmness to a gummy bear. The silicone gel helps the implant to keep its shape and feel similar to natural breast tissue. If this implant ruptures the silicone gel must be removed completely as the body cannot absorb it like it does with saline.
- IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implant: The IDEAL IMPLANT is the newest breast implant technology, designed to give women the best of what unstructured saline and silicone gel implants have to offer. As Dr. Hasen explains, “the IDEAL IMPLANT is also filled with saline, however there are baffle shells inside. You can see the outer shell and then there’s two to four inner shells (depending on size) that allow for the fluid in it to move very slowly.” The controlled movement of fluid gives the IDEAL IMPLANT a natural feel, similar to natural breast tissue. The sterile saline gives women peace of mind that if their implant ruptures the saline will be naturally absorbed and the rupture can be detected immediately.
Ruptured Breast Implant Pictures
A breast implant rupture happens when the silicone shell of an implant forms a tear or hole, making a way for the substance inside, either saline or silicone gel, to leak into the surrounding tissue. An implant that is filled with saline, whether it is an unstructured or structured saline implant, will deflate after a rupture as the saline is naturally absorbed by the body, making rupture detection as easy as looking in a mirror.
According to the FDA , some women with ruptured silicone gel breast implants experience symptoms such as, “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.” However, oftentimes women with silicone gel breast implants have a “silent rupture,” and the woman does not experience any rupture symptoms. The only way to detect a silent rupture is by visiting your doctor for an MRI or ultrasound scan.
No matter what type of breast implant you have, the FDA recommends removing ruptured implants. If you have a silicone gel implant your surgeon will also have to remove any silicone gel that has leaked into surrounding tissue or migrated past the scar tissue capsule.
Don’t Let Ruptured Breast Implant Pictures Scare You
Breast augmentation has been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for years, because it gives women increased confidence and lasting results. If you’re worried about implant rupture rates you can see how different implant types compare with data from FDA Core Clinical Trials at the IDEAL IMPLANT’s Compare Page. Then, talk to a surgeon like Dr. Hasen to learn about the benefits and compromises of each implant type so you can make an educated choice for your body.
Dr. Hasen is one of the exclusive board-certified plastic surgeons in the nation offering the latest breast implant technology, the IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implant. One reason he offers this newer option is the low risk rate. “The IDEAL IMPLANT . . . has been shown to be very safe,” explains Dr. Hasen. “It’s got a long history of not having few ruptures as well as a very low capsular contracture rate. So in patients that are looking for an alternative to silicone gel this is a great option.” In fact, IDEAL IMPLANT’s rupture risk over ten years for a primary augmentation is only 3.7%, compared to popular silicone gel implants which range from Sientra’s 8.7% to Mentor’s 24.2%.
Visit Dr. Hasen to Learn More
When you’re considering a breast augmentation, looking up ruptured breast implant pictures is not going to help you set realistic expectations. What will help is talking to an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Hasen. At Dr. Hasen’s state of the art plastic surgery center you will find a spa-like environment where you can explore your options for enhancement, ask questions, voice your concerns, and feel empowered.
Considering breast augmentation in Naples, FL? Dr. Hasen is ready to help you on your aesthetic journey with a full range of services, from minimally invasive med spa treatments to combination surgeries like a mommy makeover. Don’t wait to start your journey toward aesthetic enhancement. Visit Dr. Hasen’s website https://www.drhasen.com/ to learn more about his office, staff, and the services he offers. Call (239) 262-5662 to schedule your first appointment.