When a saline implant ruptures, the fluid filling leaks out over a few days and the breast loses volume. You’ll know right away by the change in your breast’s appearance. That’s an aesthetic problem, but not a health concern. Your body will naturally absorb the sterile saline fluid.
When a silicone implant ruptures, the gel leaks to sit outside the implant shell. Because the gel is relatively solid, it is unlikely to spread into the surrounding tissue — at least, not for a long time. That means you’ll probably have no visual indication that the shell has ruptured. A routine MRI will usually detect the leak, which is why the FDA recommends this essential health screening every three years for women with silicone implants. If the MRI detects evidence of a ruptured implant, have it replaced as soon as possible.