Rupture

Rupture of an implant may be related to the length of time it has been in the body. The general experience among plastic surgeons tends to be that implants last between 10-20 years. Breast implants of any type are not considered lifetime devices. Also, rupture may also be related to force or trauma, such as a blow to the chest in an auto accident.

With regard to saline implant ruptures, one usually knows when this occurs, as it deflates and a definite asymmetry becomes noticeable.

When silicone ruptures, it is often hard to tell since the silicone is usually contained within the capsule of scar that forms around the implant.

Another consideration is the failure rate of breast implants. One of the implant companies relates a failure rate of 2% per 7 years. A rupture within 3 years is unusual but not unheard of.