What are the chances of a breast implant leaking?

All cosmetic surgery procedures carry risks and it is part of the decision-making process to make sure that you fully understand what these risks are. With the news story in recent years of the leaking PIP breast implants, there is now an increased awareness amongst consumers that this is one of the breast implant risks, so just how great is this risk?

According to the NHS, the PIP implants still carry a much higher risk compared with traditional silicone implants. They are made with a different gel substance, rather than the medically approved silicone that has been used for many years. With this different approach the risk of a PIP implant rupturing is considered to be “two to six times more likely to rupture than standard silicone implants”.

Since the PIP story broke in 2010, PIP implants are no longer in use and although the leaks did not cause serious harm to the patients, they certainly caused unpleasant side effects (such as unevenly sized breasts, lumpy skin around the breast, pain, swelling and redness) for many patients who underwent removal of the implants.

A reassuring approach

At his practice, breast implant specialist Mr Alan Park only uses implants from manufacturers with an impeccable safety record. One brand he uses are designed and manufactured here in the UK by a company called Nagor. According to research undertaken in 2013, Nagor implants were found to have one of the lowest rupture rates of all implants available on the market.

If you decide to have implants with Mr Park and his team, you can be reassured by this high quality, and you’re also protected with the Nagor GCA Comfort Guarantee, all of which will be fully explained at consultation.

Understanding breast implant risks

Overall, it is generally considered that the longer you keep an implant for, the greater chance there is that it will eventually rupture. As with all man-made modifications to the body, implants do have a shelf life, so depending on your age when you have them, you may need to have these replaced at some point in the future.

If you choose to have implants and ensure that you select a reputable plastic surgeon, one who uses medically approved implants such as a Nagor, then the risk of premature rupture are very small. If you have had implants for several years (for example, 10 years or more) and have got any concerns about their longevity, make an appointment to speak to a specialist. They will be able assess how your implants are faring and whether or not a follow-up operation may be required.