Nowadays, silicone gel implants are made with cohesive silicone gel, meaning that if you cut the implant in half, it maintains its shape and doesn’t “leak.” Therefore, a ruptured cohesive gel implant is not going to significantly increase the chance of capsular contracture. For this reason, a number of years ago, the recommendation for implant exchange every 10 years was dropped. An implant only needs to be considered for replacement if there is an issue, such as bothersome contracture, or a symptomatic rupture that has affected the breast shape or appearance. There is not a safety risk with a ruptured silicone gel implant.
Breast implants should be considered lifetime devices, and with proper follow up, can provide long term aesthetic improvements to the breast, with a more youthful, fuller appearance. For more information, schedule a consultation with one of the top plastic surgeons in Houston, Dr. Thomas Wiener, to find out how breast augmentation surgery in Houston can benefit you.