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Breast Implants
How Long Before Silicone Implants Risk Leakage?
There is not a specific expiration date at which an implant suddenly becomes likely to leak. You should contact your plastic surgeon if you notice a change in breast shape or size, new firmness, lumps, swelling, pain, tenderness, or changes in sensation. These symptoms don't necessarily mean the implant has ruptured, but they should be evaluated.
Clinical Context
Silicone implants have a durable outer shell, but over years it can develop small tears from normal flexing and compression. If gel stays contained within the scar capsule around the implant, this is called intracapsular rupture and may cause no symptoms. If gel escapes beyond the capsule, it's extracapsular rupture, which more often causes a lump, firmness, or change in breast shape. Routine imaging can detect silent ruptures even without symptoms.
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