What Are the Signs of a Ruptured Breast Implant?

Posted On: January 20, 2026 Author: The Office of Dr. Stuart Linder Posted In: Implant Rupture

Breast implants are highly durable medical devices, but they are not designed to last forever. Whether saline or silicone, implants can rupture, and when they do, the signs are not always obvious. In fact, some ruptures cause dramatic visible changes, while others remain completely silent for years.

To provide accurate, medically grounded guidance, this article is informed directly by the clinical insights of Stuart A. Linder, MD, FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills with decades of experience in breast augmentation and implant revision surgery. His answers reflect real-world surgical experience and current FDA-aligned best practices.

6 Min Read:

What Are the Earliest and Most Subtle Signs of a Ruptured Breast Implant?

From a clinical standpoint, saline and silicone implant ruptures behave very differently, which directly affects their detectability.

A ruptured saline implant is usually straightforward to diagnose. When the implant shell fails, it behaves much like a water balloon; the sterile saltwater leaks out, and the breast visibly deflates. In some cases, this happens rapidly, even within a single day, if the valve fails. In other situations, the leak is slower, and patients notice a gradual decrease in breast size over several weeks.

Because of this visible change, saline implant ruptures are considered clinical diagnoses that can often be identified through physical examination alone.

Silicone implant ruptures, however, are far more subtle, especially with today’s modern cohesive silicone gel implants. Unlike older silicone implants, newer cohesive gels are designed to maintain their shape even if the implant shell ruptures. As a result, there may be no immediate change in breast size, shape, or appearance, making early detection much more challenging.

What Does a Ruptured Breast Implant Feel Like?

The physical sensation of a ruptured implant largely depends on the type of implant and on how the body responds over time.

With saline implants, rupture can cause discomfort or pain, particularly if excessive scar tissue develops around the implant. The body may attempt to close the implant pocket, leading to capsular contracture, a condition where the scar capsule tightens abnormally. In advanced cases (known as Baker Grade IV contracture), patients may experience significant pain with even mild pressure on the breast.

With silicone implants, early rupture often causes no symptoms at all. Many patients feel completely normal and have no outward signs of a problem. Older, non-cohesive silicone implants were more likely to leak freely, allowing silicone to migrate within and beyond the capsule. This could result in hardening, inflammation, calcification, and severe breast pain. Modern cohesive implants have dramatically reduced, but not eliminated, these risks.

How Are Silicone Breast Implant Ruptures Diagnosed?

Because physical exams and routine imaging are unreliable for silicone implants, the FDA recommends MRI screening to evaluate implant integrity.

Current guidelines advise:

• An MRI three years after initial implant placement
• Follow-up MRIs every two to three years thereafter

MRI is highly effective at detecting silicone implant rupture, achieving a sensitivity of approximately 97%. One classic MRI finding, known as the “linguini sign,” is considered diagnostic of silicone implant rupture, indicating that the implant shell has collapsed within the intact capsule.

Neither mammography nor ultrasound is consistently reliable for detecting silicone rupture; therefore, MRI remains the gold standard.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Breast Implant Rupture?

One of the most common causes of implant rupture is blunt trauma. This is frequently observed in motor-vehicle accidents, where seat-belt use or sudden deceleration imposes significant force on the chest. Trauma of this nature can damage both the implant shell and surrounding tissue, leading to bruising, pain, calcification, capsular contracture, and rupture.

With older silicone implants, rupture often resulted in silicone leakage into surrounding tissues. Modern cohesive silicone implants are far more stable and tend to maintain their shape even when the shell is compromised.

Any patient with silicone implants who experiences significant blunt trauma should undergo an MRI to assess implant integrity, even if no symptoms are present.

How Long Can a Breast Implant Last Before Rupturing?

There is no fixed lifespan for breast implants. Some implants remain intact for more than 40 years, while others may rupture within the first year. Longevity varies widely and depends on multiple factors.

Lifestyle considerations may play a role. Patients with submuscular or dual-plane implants who regularly perform intense chest exercises may experience repeated muscle contraction against the implant, potentially contributing to thickened scar tissue and eventual implant failure. Additionally, shoulder surgeries that restrict arm movement can increase the risk of encapsulation, pain, and rupture.

Is Silent Rupture a Major Concern With Silicone Implants?

Yes, silent rupture is one of the most significant concerns with silicone implants. Because patients often have no symptoms, ruptures frequently go undetected for long periods. Mammograms and ultrasound may appear normal, yet rupture is sometimes discovered only during surgery.

This is precisely why routine MRI surveillance is so important for patients with silicone breast implants.

How Urgent Is Surgery After a Rupture Is Confirmed?

Once a silicone implant rupture is confirmed, surgery is recommended as soon as possible. Delaying treatment increases the risk of silicone migrating beyond the capsule into muscle tissue, lymphatic channels, or axillary lymph nodes.

Corrective surgery typically involves:

• Removal of the ruptured implant
• Removal of surrounding scar tissue (capsulectomy)

Reconstruction options may include replacing the implant with silicone or saline, or, when appropriate, using autologous fat grafting to restore breast volume and contour.

Are Breast Implants Covered by a Warranty?

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. Manufacturers such as Allergan™ and Mentor® typically offer warranties that cover the implant itself in the event of rupture. However, financial assistance for surgical costs often requires patients to enroll in an extended warranty program prior to their original surgery.

Patients are encouraged to review warranty details carefully and maintain documentation for future reference.

Can You Change Implant Size or Type During Revision Surgery?

Yes. Many patients choose to adjust implant size during revision surgery, either increasing or decreasing volume. Patients with silicone implants most often retain them because of their softness and natural feel. Those with saline implants may either replace them with saline implants or switch to silicone implants, depending on their goals and anatomy.

Want to Learn More About Ruptured Breast Implants in Beverly Hills, CA?

Breast implant rupture can range from obvious to completely silent. Understanding the signs and knowing when advanced imaging is necessary is essential for long-term breast health. With proper surveillance and timely treatment, implant rupture can be managed safely and effectively.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want to evaluate the state of your implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Linder in Beverly Hills. Call (310) 275-4513 or fill out the contact form to begin your journey to restored confidence.