February 2025
What Happens When A Saline Implant Deflates
So, you’re considering breast augmentation—exciting! Whether you’re just starting your research or deep in the decision-making process, one thing is clear: you want to make the best choice for your body and lifestyle. Breast implants aren’t one-size-fits-all, and understanding the differences between saline and silicone can help you feel more confident about your decision.
While silicone implants are often the go-to for their natural feel, saline implants have their own unique advantages—including the fact that if they rupture, you’ll know immediately. No mystery, no guesswork. Let’s dive into what makes saline implants different, what happens if they deflate, and what you can expect if you ever need a replacement.
Saline Implants 101: What You Need To Know
Saline implants have a silicone outer shell, just like silicone implants, but they’re filled with sterile saltwater (saline) instead of a cohesive gel. One key benefit? They’re inserted empty and then filled once they’re in place, meaning smaller incisions and the ability to fine-tune the size during surgery.
Some women choose saline implants because they’re slightly less expensive, and others like the peace of mind that comes with being able to detect a rupture immediately. But they do have a trade-off—saline implants can sometimes show more visible rippling, especially in women with less natural breast tissue.
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How Saline Implant Placement Works
The placement of saline implants is similar to silicone, with a couple of key differences:
Saline Breast Implants
Inserted as an empty shell and then filled with saline once positioned. This allows for flexibility in size but can sometimes lead to visible rippling in thinner patients.
Silicone Breast Implants
Prefilled with a cohesive gel and inserted at their final size. The gel closely mimics natural breast tissue for a softer feel.
Subglandular Versus Submuscular Implant Placement
Regardless of which type you choose, implants can be placed under the muscle (submuscularly) or over the muscle (subglandularly) based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Read More: 4 Tips For Planning Your Breast Augmentation
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What Happens When a Saline Implant Ruptures?
If a saline implant ruptures, there’s no mystery about it—you’ll notice right away. The affected breast will deflate, often within hours or days, leading to a visible change in shape and size. While this might sound alarming, there’s some good news:
-The saline inside the implant is completely safe and is naturally absorbed by your body.
-Unlike silicone, no imaging (MRI or ultrasound) is needed to confirm the rupture—it’s obvious.
-A rupture doesn’t pose a health risk, but you’ll likely want to replace the implant for aesthetic reasons.
Most women opt for implant replacement soon after a rupture, either with a new saline implant or by switching to silicone, depending on their goals.
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Saline Versus Silicone Ruptures: The Key Differences
Saline Breast Implants
How To Detect: You'll observe immediate deflation.
Health Risk: Saline is harmless and absorbed by the body.
How To Correct: The saline implants are replaced.
Aesthetic Changes: Immediate loss of breast volume.
Silicone Gel Breast Implants
How To Detect: Often undetectable without imaging. We call this a silent rupture.
Health Risk: There are no proven health risks, but requires monitoring.
How To Correct: May require additional surgery to remove leaked gel and replace ruptured implant.
Aesthetic Changes: No visible change in shape.
Modern silicone breast implants are designed to hold their shape even if the outer shell breaks, thanks to their cohesive "gummy bear" gel. However, this also means that a rupture isn’t always obvious, requiring MRI or ultrasound screenings to detect it.
What to Expect When Replacing a Ruptured Saline Implant
If your saline implant deflates, replacement is usually straightforward:
1. Removal Of The Old Implant: Your plastic surgeon will typically use the same incision site to remove the deflated implant.
2. Implant Pocket Adjustments Made (If Needed): If there are any positioning issues or changes in breast tissue, your surgeon can refine the implant pocket for a better fit.
3. New Breast Implants Selected: You can stick with saline or switch to silicone, and some women take the opportunity to change size or shape.
4. Smoother, More Symmetric Breasts: Since breast augmentation techniques continue to evolve, this can be a great chance to fine-tune your look.
What About Saline Implant Warranties?
Most implant manufacturers offer warranties that cover certain types of ruptures or defects. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Lifetime Warranty: Most saline implants come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. If your implant fails due to a defect, you’ll typically receive a free replacement implant.
2. Rupture Coverage: Some manufacturers will cover both the replacement implant and a portion of the surgical costs if a rupture occurs within a specific time frame.
3. Surgical Fees: While implant replacement is covered, surgical fees may not be, so it’s worth checking with your surgeon and the implant manufacturer for details.
Be sure your plastic surgery practice registers your implants with the manufacturer after surgery to ensure you qualify for warranty benefits.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for You
Breast implants are designed to last for many years, but they’re not lifetime devices. If you’re considering saline implants, one of their biggest advantages is the ability to immediately detect a rupture—so there’s no guessing game when it comes to your breast health.
The best way to make an informed decision? Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can walk you through your options, taking into account your anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. We make that easy for you at our Dallas plastic surgery practice: we offer complimentary consults with Dr. John Burns so you can gather all of the information and options you have before making an informed decision.
Whether you choose saline or silicone, the right choice is the one that makes you feel confident and empowered in your body.
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