What Causes a Breast Implant to Deflate or Rupture?

Frequently Asked Questions

Breast implants deflate when the saline solution leaks either through an unsealed or damaged valve, or through a break in the implant shell. Implant deflation can occur immediately or progressively over a period of days and is noticed by loss of size or shape of the implant. Some implants deflate (or rupture) in the first few months after being implanted and some deflate after several years. Causes of deflation include damage by surgical instruments during surgery, overfilling or underfilling of the implant with saline solution, capsular contracture, closed capsulotomy, s tresses such as trauma or intense physical manipulation, excessive compression during mammographic imaging, umbilical incision placement, and unknown/unexplained reasons. You should also be aware that the breast implant may wear out over time and deflate/rupture. Deflated implants necessitate additional surgery to remove and to possibly replace the implant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Start your transformation

Find a plastic surgeon near you.
   

your zip code or city & state    

(e.g., "90210" or "Los Angeles, CA")      

Breast Reconstruction
About Mastectomy
Breast Reconstruction
Timing & Options
A wealth of information about your choices in breast reconstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your frequently asked questions about breast implants and breast reconstruction, answered here.
Mentor Breast Implants
Our full range of gel and saline breast implants, as well as tissue expanders.
NeoForm™
NeoForm is a highly innovative product from a very predictable source.
Breast Implant Safety
It's your body. Take your time, learn the facts, and m ake an informed decision.
Breast Implant Limited Warranties
Mentor breast implant product replacement policy and limited warranties. Available for both our gel and saline breast implants.
Insurance Coverage
Post-Surgery Garments
Mentor Caromed® garments provide compression, support, and comfort following aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
Resources
Mentor Literature Downloads
Links & Resources
Clinical Study Information
Breast Cancer Self Exam
Glossary
Physician Information
Reconstructive Surgery
Solutions for major skin defects, severe scarring, and disfiguring birthmarks.

 

 

For important information on the benefits and risks associated with breast augmentation surgery, read our document called "Important Information for Reconstruction Patients about Mentor MemoryGel™ Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants."

You may download a copy of the product package insert "Mentor MemoryGel™ Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants", or for saline-filled breast implants "Mentor Saline Filled and Spectrum® Mammary Prostheses."