Breast implants, like most medical devices, are not meant to last a lifetime. I advise our prospective patients that replacement will likely occur sometime over their life time. In 1999, the Institute of Medicine concluded that silicone implants do not cause any major health problems. Research and reports from the last decade have shown that silicone gel-filled implants do not pose additional risk to women’s short-term or long-term health. Most plastic surgeons would recommend removing the implant and/or implanting material. You are correct in that this is not an medical emergency.
The breast lump should be thoroughly examined. The best imaging for looking at the ruptured implant and silicone material is the MRI. I would strongly advise you to see a board certified plastic surgeon that is experienced in breast surgery in order to have the old implant and implant silicone material removed. A thorough medical history and physical examination will be performed and a surgical plan formulated specifically for you. Obviously, you will need to decide if you wish to have replacement with new implants.
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