“Can breast implants burst?” is one of the most frequently asked questions in plastic surgery clinics. In fact, the medically correct term is ‘implant rupture’ or ‘implant tear’. The phrase ‘silicone burst’, which has been used colloquially for years, became widespread particularly due to sensationalist media reports in the 1990s and early 2000s.
In reality, however, the breast implants used today are not structures that burst suddenly like a balloon. In rare cases, a tear may develop in the outer shell of the implant. For this reason, whilst we may use the term ‘burst’ in the remainder of this article—as it is commonly used in everyday language—it is important to be aware that the medical term for this is ‘implant rupture’.
Can Breast Implants Burst? What You Need to Know About Implant Rupture
“Can breast implants burst?” is one of the most frequently asked questions in plastic surgery clinics. In fact, the medically correct term is ‘implant rupture’ or ‘implant tear’. The phrase ‘silicone burst’, which has been used colloquially for years, became widespread particularly due to sensationalist media reports in the 1990s and early 2000s.
In reality, however, the breast implants used today are not structures that burst suddenly like a balloon. In rare cases, a tear may develop in the outer shell of the implant. For this reason, whilst we may use the term ‘burst’ in the remainder of this article—as it is commonly used in everyday language—it is important to be aware that the medical term for this is ‘implant rupture’.
Why Do Breast Implants Rupture?
Rupture is a very rare complication with modern breast implants. In my own practice, I very rarely encounter spontaneous rupture occurring in the early stages with the latest generation of implants.
One of the main causes of implant rupture is damage to the implant during surgery. Trauma or technical errors that may occur during implant placement can lead to a weak spot that may become apparent years later. For this reason, careful and atraumatic surgical techniques are of the utmost importance in implant surgery.
Apart from this, with older-generation breast implants—particularly first- and second-generation prostheses—ruptures caused by wear and tear on the implant shell over time were more common than they are today. However, with the latest-generation implants used today, spontaneous implant rupture—particularly within the first 7–8 years—is not a situation we would expect to occur.
The Risk of Rupture in Motiva and Other New-Generation Implants
Patients often ask whether a particular brand of implant is more durable.
Based on my own clinical observations, the rupture rate for Motiva implants is quite low. However, it would be incorrect to attribute this solely to the durability of the implant shell. Similarly, early-stage rupture is also quite rare with other new-generation implants.
One of the key points to note here is capsular contracture. The hard capsular tissue that develops around the implant can exert constant pressure on it. Over time, this pressure can strain the implant shell, increasing the risk of rupture.
As capsular contracture occurs at lower rates with Motiva implants, the risk of rupture indirectly linked to this mechanism may also be lower. However, this does not mean that the shell of Motiva implants is stronger than that of other new-generation implants.
What Happens if a Breast Implant Rips?
Implant rupture is not, as patients often think, a medical emergency.
The cohesive silicone gel contained within implants used today is completely different from the older generation of liquid silicones. Even if the implant shell were to tear, the gel structure would largely retain its integrity and would not become fluid.
In addition, a thin layer of capsule tissue, naturally formed by the body, surrounds each breast implant. For this reason, the gel inside the implant usually remains within this capsule and does not spread to other parts of the body.
For this reason, there is no need to panic if an implant rupture is detected. Following an assessment of the patient, an implant replacement can be scheduled at an appropriate time.
Can an Implant Rupture Lead to Cancer?
No.
Implant rupture is not cancer and does not develop into cancer. One of patients’ greatest fears is that the silicone will spread throughout the body or cause cancer. With the cohesive silicone implants used today, such a scenario is not to be expected.
Implant rupture is a mechanical problem and can be treated by replacing the implant with appropriate surgical planning.
Does Everyday Life Cause an Implant to Fail?
No.
Contrary to what patients might think;
- air travel,
- doing sport,
- to swim,
- to go diving,
- daily activities,
- to lie on top of someone whilst they are asleep
It does not cause modern breast implants to rupture.
Similarly, the compression of the breast during a mammogram does not cause the implant to rupture. These days, radiology centres are experienced in assessing patients with implants, and the examination can be carried out safely using appropriate techniques.
Patients’ Biggest Misconception
The most common misconception I come across during consultations is the belief that if an implant ruptures, the silicone will spread throughout the body.
In contrast, in modern cohesive gel implants, the silicone largely retains its integrity. Furthermore, the capsular tissue surrounding the implant also helps to keep the gel in place. For this reason, implant rupture is not as dramatic or urgent a situation as is commonly believed.
Once the correct diagnosis has been made, the problem can be safely resolved by carrying out a planned implant replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do breast implants really burst?
Although commonly referred to as a ‘burst’, the medically correct term is implant rupture or implant tear. The breast implants used today are not structures that burst like balloons.
Why do breast implants rupture?
The most common causes are damage to the implant during surgery, wear and tear on older-generation implants over time, and capsular contracture, which can develop over many years. Early-stage rupture is very rare with modern implants.
Are Motiva implants more durable?
In my own clinical experience, rupture is extremely rare with Motiva implants. That said, similarly low rupture rates are also observed with other high-quality, new-generation implants currently in use.
Can capsular contracture cause the implant to rupture?
A fibroadenoma may sometimes cause no symptoms at all. When palpable, it usually feels like a well-defined, mobile lump with a rubbery consistency.
If a breast implant ruptures, is emergency surgery required?
No. Implant rupture is not usually an emergency. Following an assessment of the patient, an implant replacement can be scheduled at a suitable time.
If a breast implant ruptures, does the silicone spread throughout the body?
No. In the cohesive gel implants used today, the silicone largely retains its integrity. Furthermore, the capsular tissue surrounding the implant also helps to keep the gel in place.
Can an implant rupture cause cancer?
No. Implant rupture is a mechanical problem and does not develop into cancer.
How can you tell if a breast implant has ruptured?
In some patients, changes in breast shape, softening or hardening may be observed. However, many ruptures may occur without any symptoms and can be detected using imaging techniques.
How is implant rupture diagnosed?
Following the physical examination, ultrasound is the preferred imaging method for most patients. Where necessary, a magnetic resonance (MR) scan may also be requested.
Does a mammogram burst a breast implant?
No. When performed by experienced radiology teams using the correct technique, a mammogram does not cause the implant to rupture.
Can exercising cause the implant to tear?
No. Exercising, running, working out or swimming will not cause modern breast implants to rupture.
Can flying cause an implant to burst?
No. Changes in cabin pressure do not cause modern breast implants to rupture.
Do breast implants have a specific lifespan?
Modern implants do not need to be replaced routinely in any given year. However, regular check-ups should be carried out, and implant replacement may be planned if rupture, capsular contracture or aesthetic concerns arise.
If an implant tears, does it always have to be replaced?
Yes. Once a rupture has been confirmed, it is usually recommended that the implant be removed and replaced with a new one.
Can implant rupture be completely prevented?
No surgical complication can be prevented with 100 per cent certainty. However, with the correct surgical technique, the selection of high-quality implants and regular follow-up, the risk of implant rupture can be reduced to very low levels.
Related Articles
If you would like more detailed information about breast implants, you may also wish to consult the following guides:
- On our Breast Augmentation Surgery page, you can find comprehensive information on implant selection, the surgical procedure, the recovery period and the latest implant technologies.
- In our article entitled ‘What is Capsular Contracture?’, we explained in detail the causes, symptoms and treatment options for the hardening that can develop around an implant.
