Silicone Implants Drastically Different in Volume and Texture

asked 3 years ago by scd40 in houston texas 77066 usa.
Latest answer by George J. Beraka, MD
Question viewed 697 times
Tags: silicone implant

Why are my 15+ yr. old silicone implants so drastically different in texture and volume? I recall they are manufactured by 3M. My surgeon has retired. One breast is very firm, slightly dimpled and numb in spots. The other is very soft and pliable. In fact, it rather sags. When lying down, the soft breast lays completely flat and slides down under my arm. There is no definition to the implant. Incision was around the areola and there is absolutely no scar. Could one or both be ruptured? I can not afford the cost to replace them as I do not think such a procedure would be covered by insurance. Thanks.

10 answers to Silicone Implants Drastically Different in Volume and Texture

15 year old implants: Get an MRI at the very least

While it is difficult to tell without an examination, it sounds as if you have a capsular contracture on the firm side. These are difficult for us to understand and we still don't have a complete handle on what causes these and how to prevent them. Given the age of your implants, I would highly advise that you obtain an MRI to evaluate implant integrity. Although you state you can't afford to pay for this, I would state that you can't afford to ignore it. Delayed treatment may require... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Capsular contracture will cause tightness after breast implants.

Hi. Go to a plastic surgery clinic in a teaching hospital (free or very inexpensive), and have your breasts examined. There is something wrong with your breast implants, capsular contracture and/or rupture.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Implant evaluation

If you are concerned about the integrity of your implants, I would suggest first seeing a doctor about it, and then possibly getting an MRI to evalute if they are ruptured.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

You should check your insurance, as it might be covered.

It sounds like you have a capsular contracture, and a pocket that is stretched or malformed. Rupture could also be a real possibility due to age of the implants, even in the absence of trauma to the implant. It would be advisable for you to get an evaluation by a plastic surgeon, and he will likely recommend an mri to evaluate the integrity of the implants. The above would be prudent. www.drkasden.us scottkinfw@msn.com

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Silicone gel implants best replaced after 15 years

Unfortunately after 15 years your breast implants have worn and are in need of removal and replacment. The firm capsule is typical of a worn ruptured implant as is the misshapened formless implant on the other side. Some insurance plans in the Chicago area cover implant removal which should include removal of the entire capsule as well. Start with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to help you sort through the problem. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

They may both be ruptured

Mammograms and ultrasounds can usually tell if older style gel implants are ruptured or not. An MRI can also be done if these are not conclusive. is possible that your insurance might cover the cost of removing the implants but any re-insertion will be considered cosmetic by the insurance and would not be covered.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

You implants are likely ruptured and/or you have contracture

From your description, you implants are likely ruptured and/or you have capsular contracture (scar tissue) of the affected breast. If your surgeon is retired, then you should seek a new surgeon to examine you. Together, you can come up with a plan to address your issues. Good luck.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

High possibility of rupture

The fact that your silicone gel implants are over 15 years old puts you in a high risk category of rupture. In fact, it is more likely than not that one of your implants is ruptured. Although rupture can be associated with capsular contracture, a very soft breast with complete loss of form also is a sign of possible leakage. Some insurance companies will cover the cost of removing a ruptured implant but not its replacement. Also, you can try to see a plastic surgery residency program in... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Changing implant character makes signal problem with implants

While silicone gel implants generally remain soft and natural feeling, a small number of them may develop problems particularly as they continue to age. No implant lasts forever. When saline implants leak, it is generally quite apparent with a loss of volume and flattening of the breast. When silicone implants leak, it may not be so apparent. The volume of the silicone will not be lost so the changes that occur are more indirect resulting from local inflammation from the silicone. This... more

Mitchel Krieger, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

It may be worth investigating with MRI

Hi scd40, I agree that insurance will not likely get involved in a case of 15 year-old implants, but, given your concerns, it may be worth pursuing. Ironically, we find that many older gel implants are ruptured when there was no indication ahead of time. For example, you describe one breast as very soft and pliable, with no definition to the implant. We have found that to be the description many patients give when we have found a ruptured implant. The opposite side sounds like it has a... more