Currently, breast implants used in augmentation surgery are mostly silicone shells filled with saline, silicone, or PVP material.Regardless of material, there is a risk of implant rupture or leakage. Reports indicate a slightly higher leakage or rupture rate for saline-filled implants. This may be due to the tendency for fixed folds to form on the surface of saline implants over time. Eventually, leakage can occur at the tips of these folds, allowing the saline solution to slowly seep out with body movement, or even leading to implant rupture.
The manifestations of breast implant rupture vary depending on the time since augmentation surgery and the type of implant material used. When a saline-filled implant leaks or ruptures, the saline is absorbed by the tissue, causing the augmented breast shape to gradually disappear. Only the silicone capsule of the implant remains within the separated pocket, making diagnosis of this type of rupture relatively straightforward.For silicone or PVP-filled implants, rupture outcomes vary based on the time since surgery.
Early post-operative period (generally within 3 months): As the capsular tissue surrounding the implant is still developing, rupture at this stage may cause the capsule to encapsulate and separate the leaked material. This results in irregular breast contours, with severe cases presenting multiple localized nodules.
In the late postoperative period, generally after 3 months or more, the capsular tissue surrounding the implant is fully formed. The ruptured implant contents often remain within this capsular space for some time, allowing the breast augmentation shape to be maintained for a considerable period. Patients may not readily notice the implant rupture.
When PVP-filled implants rupture, the absorbent PVP material causes gradual enlargement of the affected breast, eventually exceeding the volume of the contralateral breast. Ruptured silicone-filled implants can be detected via ultrasound or specialized X-ray imaging. Some ruptures may also be identified through palpation, as the affected implant loses elasticity and exhibits reduced rebound when compressed.Regardless of the implant material, rupture requires removal or replacement. Failure to do so may result in encapsulation by the capsule or migration of contents to other areas, complicating removal.