Menu
480.451.3000
Exceptional
Care
Exceptional
Results

Home|Blog | What Happens if a Silicone Breast Implant Ruptures?

What Happens if a Silicone Breast Implant Ruptures?

November 4, 2026

a woman covering her breast with her hand

Much like any other surgical procedure, a breast augmentation carries certain risks and potential postoperative complications. One of the most common concerns is breast implant rupture, which occurs when a tear or hole appears in the implant shell and causes the implant to “leak”.

However, ruptures in silicone breast implants can be much more difficult to detect than saline implant ruptures. The silicone gel may remain contained within the surrounding scar tissue capsule, causing little or no visible change and no symptoms. This is referred to as a “silent rupture”.

This blog will explain how silicone breast implant ruptures occur, the signs and symptoms to watch for and the treatment options moving forward.

Table of Contents

What Is a Silent Rupture?

A silent rupture occurs when the outer shell of a silicone breast implant breaks down over time and develops a tear or hole, allowing the silicone gel to leak from the implant. However, unlike a ruptured saline implant which deflates (usually rapidly), silicone implant ruptures may not produce any visible change. This is particularly true of the recent generation of cohesive silicone implants which strongly maintain their shape. In most cases, the silicone gel remains contained within the surrounding scar capsule.

As a result, a patient may not realize that the implant has ruptured at all. These ruptures are often only identified through diagnostic imaging, such as a digital ultrasound or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Mammograms may only capture this finding around 50% of the time.

Possible Findings of a Silent Rupture

In many cases, there are no discernible changes or symptoms of a ruptured silicone breast implant. When there are, findings may include:

While these symptoms develop gradually, they do not always indicate a ruptured silicone implant. They may also be symptoms of another breast implant complication. As a result, diagnostic imaging may be needed to confirm your condition.

The Importance of Interval MRI and Ultrasound Screening

Since silent ruptures are largely asymptomatic, interval MRI or digital ultrasound screenings are vital to monitoring the integrity of your silicone breast implants. Recommendations vary with some supporting the first MRI or ultrasound screening five to six years after the silicone implant procedure, with follow-up imaging every several years thereafter.

While most patients start with an ultrasound, especially due to costs, Dr. Turkeltaub may recommend an MRI when ultrasound results are suspicious but not entirely diagnostic.

How Are Silent Rupture Implants Treated?

Once an ultrasound or MRI confirms the loss of integrity of your silicone breast implant, corrective surgery is most often needed to remove the damaged implant and address any leaked silicone gel.

Dr. Turkeltaub performs breast implant revision surgery for patients who wish to still maintain or enhance their breast volume through implants. During your consultation, Dr. Turkeltaub will evaluate your implants, breast tissue and present aesthetic goals. When replacing the implants, he will discuss different implant sizes, shapes, profiles and silicone cohesive levels that better reflect the results you want.

He also offers breast implant removal, or breast explantation, for patients who no longer wish to have implants. When implant removal leads to reduced breast volume, loose skin or a droopy appearance, Dr. Turkeltaub may recommend a breast lift if you desire perkier breasts. This procedure can remove excess skin, reshape breast tissue and create a more elevated breast contour without the need for new implants.

Common Misconceptions About Silicone Implant Safety and Recovery

While they generally remain intact for many years, sometimes for well over 35 years, breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. That is, given a long enough time, they will break down.

During your breast implant recovery, Dr. Turkeltaub will provide detailed postoperative instructions to ensure that your healing process is smooth and your results are protected. Patients may expect:

Why Choose Dr. Turkeltaub for Your Breast Implant Rupture Concerns

Discovering that your breast implant has ruptured can be disappointing and, frequently, inconvenient. For patients seeking breast implant rupture treatment in Phoenix, Scottsdale, all of Arizona and beyond, Dr. Steven H. Turkeltaub provides personalized surgical planning for a wide variety of breast concerns.

Dr. Turkeltaub is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, with decades of experience performing cosmetic breast procedures. This extensive background allows him to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your rupture, anatomy, specific surgical needs and long-term aesthetic goals.

Throughout the process, Dr. Turkeltaub and his team will provide you with compassionate care focused on your comfort, safety and long-term results. His goal is to explain your options, answer your concerns and questions and help you make an informed decision about your care moving forward.

If you believe you have a ruptured silicone breast implant, are experiencing other symptoms or just want to assess the state of your implants, schedule your personalized consultation at Arizona Center for Breast Surgery by either calling (480) 451-3000 or by filling out our online contact form today.