Breast augmentation continues to be one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States. Refined techniques and newer generations of implants make it one of most routine surgeries with extremely high rates of patient satisfaction. While implants are considered safe and not prone to problems, there are occasional implant failures. Dr. Azouz has decades of experience with breast augmentation, including breast implant rupture repair surgery.

Signs of an Implant Rupture

Both saline and silicone implants are made with a silicone exterior that can rupture. This can be caused by trauma to the breasts or chest, but tears and leaks happen without a clear cause. Tears and ruptures allow the filler to leak out into the surrounding tissues. Saline will be absorbed by the body without adverse health effects. Silicone leaks will generally stay in the breast area and can be removed when breast implant rupture repair surgery takes place. Symptoms of ruptured or torn implants are:

• Changes in breast shape
• Breast asymmetry
• Lumps or bumps near the implant site
• Burning sensation in the breast
• Painful or stiff breast
• Flattened breast
• Drooping breast
• Skin reactions
• Silicone granules on the skin

Breast implants have an expected lifespan of 10 to 15 years before they will need to be replaced. Although a rupture or tear can happen at any time, the older the implants are, the higher the chance of leaks. For this reason, it is important to understand how long your implants are expected to last and to prepare to have them replaced within the appropriate time frame.

Corrective Breast Surgery in Dallas, TX

Saline implants will rapidly deflate, leaving no doubt there is a problem with the implant. Silicone implants can take longer to show dramatic external signs of leaks, but pain, stiffness, lumps and skin reactions are good indicators there is a problem. When there is a concern with your implants, Dr. Azouz can examine your augmentation and determine if you require surgery.

Repairing ruptured breast implants requires removal of the implant. For symmetry and safety, it is best to replace both implants if one is failing. You can also opt to have both implants permanently removed and have Dr. Azouz recontour your breast tissue into a natural and pleasing shape.

If you believe your breast implant has failed, Dr. Azouz at Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery can correct the problem and repair the breast. Contact the office today for a breast implant rupture repair consultation.