Breast implant failure is an unfortunate possibility after the breast augmentation procedure. Despite the fact that breast augmentation is one of the most successful of all cosmetic procedures, replacement of the breast implant due to failure is a possibility. Saline and silicone breast implants fail in different ways so you should consider the difference between the two before making your final implant selection.

Eventually the outer shell of the implant can fatigue causing a hole to develop in the outer shell. The leak naturally happens over time as a result of the motion within the implant wall. A tear may develop in the outer shell due to the pressure of the implant contents due to your natural motion. This may occur more frequently in implants that are placed under the muscle due to the additional pressure. Manufacturers have improved the durability of implants significantly, but implant failure is still a possible problem after placement.

Over the past 14 years the most common implant has been filled with saline. Silicone implants were only used in breast implant trials during that time and were proven to be safe and effective. The FDA approved them for use again in November of 2006. Therefore most of the implants that are getting older today and subject to fatigue are saline.

Saline breast implant failure occurs when a tear results in the outer shell. The deflation of a saline implant can happen over a very short period of time. Depending upon the size of the leak and the relative pressure on the implant itself, the deflation may occur within as little as a day but may take up to a a week or more.

Since the leakage causes deflation, women notice rather quickly that their breast is not as full as it once was. The breast implant failure is very noticeable. No one wants a rupture to occur, of course, but some women prefer saline because of this very point. Since the deflation occurs quickly they will know about the problem right away and can seek medical attention. That is, upon failure of the saline implant the woman knows rather quickly that she needs to visit her plastic surgeon.

Breast implant failure is something that can happen after breast augmentation. The cohesive silicone gel is rather thick and sticky and is bonded together. Unless the hole developing in the implant is very large, the gel is not likely to squeeze out. Even with a large hole, while the silicone may bulge out of the tear, it will eventually fall back in due to its thick, viscous consistency. Therefore silicone breast implant failure is less noticeable and might only be detected during a mammography.

Both of these implants are subject to failure. As saline is subject to rapid deflation it is more likely a woman would need to replace this type at some point due to its rupture. Under most circumstances, even with a significant rupture, silicone implants will retain their fullness and therefore go unnoticed.

Upon evidence of implant failure you will need to visit again with your plastic surgeon. While breast implant failure simply is not as common as it once was, you need to consider these issues upon choosing the type of implant you desire. Be prepared to ask your doctor their recommendations about the differences of saline versus silicone.

How can you avoid breast implant failure? Are saline or silicone breast implants different? Each type fails in a different way. It is important to know and understand how and when they fail. With proper care and attention your implants should last a long time.

Breast augmentation can give you the breasts you have always desired. If you choose your doctor carefully, you can be assured that they will do everything possible to insure excellent results which will be free from any unwanted complications. Afteryour breast augmentation surgery, it is up to you to maintain your new breasts by avoiding anything which will compromise them or injure your breasts.

If you do your research thoroughly, and follow the instructions from your doctor you are already doing what you can do prevent breast implant failure. Be sure to get medical attention immediately should you suspect that your implants have failed. With proper care and attention, breast implants can be a very satisfying lifestyle choice. Follow the instructions of your doctor throughout your consultations.