Scar tissue will form around the implant, but it can squeeze the implant and this is called capsular contracture. There are four different grades of contracture called Baker Grades. With Grade I contracture, the breast is still soft and looks natural. With Grade II contracture, the breast appears normal but it is firmer. The breast is firm and has an abnormal appearance with Grade III contracture. If the contracture is Grade IV, the breast is hard, painful, and has an abnormal appearance.
Since breast implants are filled with saline or silicone, they will rupture and deflate. There is no way of telling when this will occur, as some will deflate or rupture in a few months while others last for 10 years. Potential reasons that breast implants deflate or rupture could be aging of the implant, being compressed during a mammogram, or overfilling of the implant just to name a few.
Many problems can result when a breast implant ruptures or deflates. The breast might decrease in size, hard knots may develop, the breasts could look uneven, there could be pain or tenderness, swelling, numbing, burning, tingling, and changes in sensation. If it is suspected that your implant has ruptured or deflated, your plastic surgeon should recommend an MRI to confirm that.
With Grade III and IV capsular contracture and deflation or rupture of the implant, removal of the breast implant is required.
