You’ve started noticing subtle, uncomfortable changes in your body—aching pain in your breast, strange tightness, or a new lump that wasn’t there before. Maybe your breast feels different in shape or sensitivity, or you’re experiencing soreness and swelling you can’t explain. These could be the early signs and symptoms of a ruptured breast implant.
Silent or symptomatic implant ruptures are more common than most people realize. At Executive Plastic Surgery, Dr. Shaher Khan—“the king of explants”—has seen countless patients who suffer in silence while their implants continue to leak into their bodies and cause a whole host of problems. With years of experience and a strong commitment to transparency, he specializes in identifying, treating, and removing ruptured breast implants. Here’s what you need to know about detecting a rupture and the tests used to confirm it.
What is a ruptured breast implant?
A ruptured breast implant occurs when the outer shell of the implant tears or develops a hole. In saline implants, this usually causes a visible deflation. In silicone implants, the rupture may be “silent,” with leaked silicone remaining trapped in nearby tissue. This can lead to breast pain, changes in shape, hardening, or inflammation. Ruptures may not always produce symptoms, which is why imaging tests like MRI or ultrasound are essential for detection.
These are some of the common signs and symptoms of a ruptured breast implant:
- Breast pain or soreness that persists
- Changes in the shape or size of your breast
- Unusual lumps or hard areas in the breast
- Tightness or firmness around the implant
- Swelling or inflammation in the breast area
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Changes in breast sensation
- Burning discomfort or chest wall pain
- Skin rashes or redness over the breast
- Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness appearing suddenly
Tests that can verify ruptured breast implants
If you suspect your breast implant may have ruptured, it’s important to undergo the proper diagnostic imaging. Not all ruptures cause obvious symptoms, which is why they’re often called silent ruptures. These can go unnoticed for years unless you’re screened through specific imaging techniques. Below are the most effective tests used to detect a rupture.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
MRI is the most reliable imaging method for detecting silicone implant ruptures, especially silent ones. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to generate detailed images of soft tissue structures, including the implant and the surrounding tissue. MRI can detect intracapsular and extracapsular ruptures, even when no visible symptoms exist. The FDA recommends women with silicone implants get an MRI 5–6 years after surgery and every 2–3 years after that.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is often used as a first-line screening test. It’s non-invasive, accessible, and less expensive than MRI. While not quite as sensitive as MRI, ultrasound can detect ruptures, fluid buildup, or abnormalities around the implant. It helps evaluate painful or symptomatic breasts. If the ultrasound is inconclusive but clinical suspicion remains, an MRI is usually the next step.
Physical exam by a specialist
Though not a diagnostic test in itself, a thorough physical exam by an experienced explant surgeon like Dr. Khan can be valuable. He will assess for irregularities, pain points, scar tissue (capsular contracture), and any clinical signs that suggest a rupture. This evaluation often guides the decision on whether further imaging or explant surgery is necessary.
You can suffer from BII even if there is no rupture
It’s important to understand that you don’t need to have a ruptured breast implant to experience severe symptoms. Many women suffer from Breast Implant Illness (BII) even when their breast implants are fully intact. While a rupture can trigger inflammation and accelerate symptoms, BII is largely believed to be caused by the body’s immune system reacting negatively to the presence of the implant itself—regardless of whether it’s leaking.
Breast implants—both saline and silicone—are foreign objects. Your body doesn’t recognize them as natural tissue, so it often responds with chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, or autoimmune-like reactions. The outer shell of the implant (which is made of silicone regardless of whether the implant is filled with saline or silicone) may “bleed” small particles of silicone or heavy metals over time, even if not ruptured. These materials can accumulate in the body, potentially leading to systemic symptoms.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be dealing with Breast Implant Illness—even if imaging doesn’t reveal a rupture:
- Cognitive dysfunction (brain fog, memory loss, difficulty concentrating)
- Chronic fatigue or extreme tiredness
- Muscle aches, joint pain, and general body soreness
- Hair loss and dry skin
- Insomnia or poor sleep quality
- Anxiety, depression, mood swings
- Autoimmune symptoms or diagnosed autoimmune diseases
- Rashes, itching, or hives
- Hormone imbalance or early menopause
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Tingling, numbness, or nerve pain
- Gastrointestinal issues like bloating, constipation, or food sensitivities
- Frequent infections (sinus, UTI, yeast, etc.)
- Chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath
- Metallic taste, photosensitivity, or dizziness
- Feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of dying
Contact Dr. Khan if you suspect a rupture or BII
At Executive Plastic Surgery, Dr. Shaher Khan offers the most advanced and compassionate care for women seeking answers about their breast implants. If you suspect a rupture or are suffering from BII, his en bloc removal technique—The Khan Procedure—is considered the gold standard in explant surgery. Dr. Khan doesn’t put implants in—he only removes them—and he’s committed to helping you reclaim your health.
If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t wait. Whether it’s a rupture or the broader effects of Breast Implant Illness, you deserve answers and support from a team that truly believes you. Contact Executive Plastic Surgery today to begin your journey toward healing.
