Spoiler: maybe not! And that’s exactly why Dr. Gallus wants you to keep tabs on them.
When Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause booked a trendy full-body scan last fall, she walked in, likely expecting wellness bragging rights, and walked out with a surprise: both of her 15-year-old breast implants had quietly ruptured. She admits she hadn’t felt a thing—no pain, no shape change, nothing dramatic—yet breast implant revision surgery quickly followed to remove the leaked silicone and place new implants.
Chrishell’s story sounds dramatic, but it lines up perfectly with what San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus sees in our clinic every week: most silicone-gel ruptures are “silent” and show up only on imaging.
“Almost no one gets the recommended MRI or high-resolution ultrasound every three to five years,” Dr. Gallus said on a recent episode of All the B’s, her plastic surgery podcast. “It usually gets picked up on something else, like a mammogram, or you think you have another issue and it turns out the implant is ruptured.”
Saline vs. silicone: why one type tattles and the other doesn’t
| Implant fill | What happens when it ruptures | Will you feel it? |
| Saline | The saltwater solution leaks and your breast deflates like a leaking pool float. | Yes. You’ll notice an obvious size drop within hours or days. |
| Silicone gel | A cohesive “gummy-bear” gel stays put inside the scar capsule, so the breast can look and feel almost the same. | Often, no. This is the textbook “silent rupture.” |
How you might (or might not) feel a rupture
- Subtle shape change or new asymmetry (one breast looks flatter, smaller or oddly firm)
- New firmness, swelling, or tender lumps as the body reacts to escaped gel
- Capsular contracture—the breast feels hard and sits higher or farther to the side than its partner (Dr. Gallus calls long-neglected ruptures “dinosaur eggs” for a reason).
You may feel absolutely fine. No pain, no swelling, no “pop.” If none of these show up, you may never know unless you check with imaging. That’s why the FDA advises screening your implants after 5-6 years, then every 2–3 years after that. Dr. Gallus prefers a high-resolution in-office ultrasound or an MRI for the most detailed look at the shell.
Does the 10-year rule still matter?
You’ve probably heard “replace your implants at 10 years.” This advice is outdated. If you’re not having issues, leave them alone.
What does matter is warranty coverage. Most manufacturers replace ruptured implants for life, but additional perks—like surgeon fees—start to drop off after year 10. If you wait until year 11, you may pay more out of pocket.
The timeline that really matters
Your risk of rupture creeps up the longer an implant has been in place. By 10 years, that risk starts to climb noticeably, and at 15–20 years, you’re officially in the “vintage” category (thanks for the new term, Chrishell!). Regular imaging becomes more than a suggestion at that point.
Stay ahead of silent rupture
Schedule an ultrasound or MRI every few years once your implants hit age 5. Keep your implant card or a phone snapshot of the label—future you (and your surgeon) will thank you. Notice any new firmness, asymmetry, discomfort, or shape change? Call sooner rather than later.
Psst… considering an implant swap for size or style, too? Those are the most common reasons patients want a revision. Let’s talk goals at a consultation in La Jolla!
What to do if a rupture is confirmed
- See a board-certified plastic surgeon. Imaging pinpoints the problem, but surgical skill removes the leaked gel and places a new device safely.
- Time it wisely. A silicone rupture isn’t a 911 emergency, but delaying for months or years raises the risk of capsular contracture, extra scarring, and a more complex surgical plan.
- Decide on next steps. Keep the same size? Up- or down-size? Swap to a newer gel? Your revision is a chance to tailor your look (or hop off the “implant train” altogether with an explant—no judgement either way!).
Whether you need a quick ultrasound check or are weighing a full revision, the all-female team at our San Diego plastic surgery clinic can help you sort the facts from the fear. Dr. Gallus—your go-to female plastic surgeon San Diego—will walk you through imaging, options, and next steps so you can enjoy your results with confidence.
Call 858-224-2281 or drop us a message online to get started.
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