<alt=' class='alignleft size-medium wp-image-5379' height='300' src='https://breastreconstructionnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/tumblr_n4qv6ivAAF1slhhf0o1_1280_freee-to-use-224x300.jpg' style='margin: 5px;' width='224'>This week, Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question. QUESTION: Can a saline implant(opens in a new tab) slowly leak approximately 16 months after surgery? Also, can a bacterial or fungal infection occur during this time? I am hearing and feeling a gurgling sound in my right breast which I believe is fluid. I am concerned because I read that an implant can leak out and cause fungal and bacteria infections. ANSWER: Thank you for your question! A saline implant can leak at any time after surgery. The leak can be slow or sudden. Eventually, you would notice the size go down. Implants are normally filled with sterile saline that would not cause an infection. If you have an infection it most likely would not be from the fluid that was in the implant. Usually that fluid is absorbed by the body after a leak and causes no medical problems. The best way to get an accurate answer would be to report what you are experiencing to your surgeon who performed the implant surgery. Dr. James Craigie Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical care you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us(opens in a new tab)!