We are leaders in cosmetic surgery, facial aesthetics, and medically supervised weight loss, serving the entire San Francisco Bay area. Whether you live in the Bay Area or are coming in from out of town, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have on your path to your new self. Book your cosmetic surgery intro call or Med Spa consultation today and take the first step towards realizing the look you’ve always wanted for yourself.
Breast Implants
Can Silicone Gel Implants Leak?
Yes, silicone gel implants can rupture, and when that happens the shell has a tear or hole. Because today's silicone gel is cohesive, the gel often stays put within the scar capsule rather than migrating, which is why these are sometimes called "silent ruptures" — no obvious deflation like you'd see with saline. That silence is exactly why physical exam alone often misses it.
The FDA now recommends imaging screening starting around five to six years after implant placement, then every two to three years afterward. Ultrasound is accepted as a reasonable first-line screening tool, with MRI as an alternative or follow-up if ultrasound is inconclusive. Either way, some form of periodic imaging is the only reliable way to catch a rupture early, before it causes capsular contracture or migrates outside the capsule. Discuss timing and imaging choice with your board-certified plastic surgeon based on your implant age and exam findings.
Clinical Context
Implant shells can wear thin over time, most often where the implant folds against the chest wall with movement. Modern silicone gel is cohesive, meaning it tends to stay in one place rather than spread if the shell develops a tear. The scar tissue capsule that forms around the implant also helps keep the gel contained nearby. This is why a rupture can happen without obvious symptoms and often needs imaging, not just a physical exam, to detect.
Related Questions
