It's really hard to tell one hundred percent if an implant has moved pockets, but if you have saline implants just wait two weeks and if it gets smaller then you have a rupture. If not, and it just feels looser and softer take your time and get a mammogram or ultrasound to be sure nothing else is going on there (it IS breast cancer awareness month) and you almost certainly at that time will also be able to see the pocket it's in :)

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Most likely at 13 years with a change in your saline implant resulting in a softer/looser feel there has been a leak (rupture). The appearance is not likely to change after 13 years without this occurring. Consult with a plastic surgeon to discuss options for implant removal with or without replacement.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If an implanted breast suddenly softens, it may be ruptured or the breast pocket may have enlarged. Have it checked out by a reputable board-certified plastic surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The implant cannot move from under the muscle to above. If it is softer and smaller, you have a deflation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

That is one big advantage of saline, in that if it leaks you will know it pretty quickly and your breast will vanish or deflate.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If this is a saline implant, then you would know that right away. If you have a deflation, the breast(s) would lose volume and feel softer. You should be evaluated and have an exam by your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Best to see your surgeon (or another surgeon) for examination and evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

When I hear women say that they are seeing a big difference in the feel of their implants and they are close to 10 years old, I think of a broken implant. It could be that you're more encapsulated on one side or the other is the second possibility. Either way you should check into this. At my practice, we do high definition ultrasound as well as looking at mammograms to diagnose a broken implant. Some people use an MRI and is very good, but it cost $1500 to get.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If your implant were ruptured, the saline would be released and it would become deflated. Maybe you just tore the enveloping capsule around the implant.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for asking. You should see your PS in person to be evaluated. This may be a saline leak or rupture. Your PS will know how to evaluate and handle this if ruptured. Best wishes

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If your implant is ruptured, it will be smaller.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. Since your surgery was 9 years ago, it is possible that your implant may be leaking or it may have moved from under the muscle. It is hard to tell without a physical examination. Fortunately, since they are saline implants, saline is absorbed safely into the body. However, you would notice that side becoming smaller over time. Saline implants can feel looser to the touch over time, and many women have had them in for well over the 10-year warranty period. I advise you to have a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced with both saline and silicone implants and how to deal with issues.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

A change that involves a decrease in size and feel in a saline breast implant 9 years after placement is likely a deflation, which is not always a full deflation but can deflate over time depending on the region of leak. It would be important to consult with your plastic surgeon to determine what is going on and the fix. A simple implant exchange is a very straightforward procedure with limited downtime.

Published on Jul 11, 2012