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Does an Implant Always Have to Be Removed if There is Calcification?

asked 1 year ago by sf in Las Vegas
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 260 times
Tags: calcification

8 answers to Does an Implant Always Have to Be Removed if There is Calcification?

+2

Remove Calcification of the Capsule

If there is implant capsule calcification, it should be removed so as not to interfere with interpretation of mammograms. Capsule calcification is almost always a sign of silicone gel implant rupture, so removal of implants with capsulectomy should be performed. You may choose to leave the implants out or to replace them.
Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Implants and Calcification?

Breast implants associated with calcification do not necessarily have to be removed. Each patient's situation should be evaluated individually/specifically. For example, if a patient has a strong family history of breast cancer, then removal of the breast implants/ calcifications may be indicated to avoid radiographic confusion and/or delay of diagnosis of breast cancer. If patients with calcification choose to have the breast implants left in... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Removing breast implants

As long as an MRI and mammogram shows no evidence of rupture or malignancy, then you'll probably be okay leaving in the implants.  Make sure you're cleared by an oncologic breast surgeon as well.
Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Calcification in the capsule means implant leak

When the silicone gel bleeds and leaks onto the capsule, irritation and inflammation causes the capsule to calcify, a sure sign that the implants is no longer intact and suffers an intracapsular leak. Both implants and capsules should be removed to prevent further capsular contracture. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Calcification and implants

If your implants are okay and there is no suspicious radiologic findings with the calcifications and they are considered benign, then they probably do not have to come out.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Calcification of the breast tissue

As has been mentioned, the location of the calcification is the more important consideration. If you have older implants and there is calcification around the capsule that is not concerning to the radiologist for malignancy, there is no rush to have surgery. If this is the case though it is often associated with firmness of the capsule making your breast(s) harder. It would be prudent to have these implant and associated capsules removed and replaced with new implants in the near future.... more
Michael C. Edwards, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Calcification does NOT mean automatic Breast Implant Removal

Calcifications are not seen with the breast implants but may be seen in advanced cases of severe scarring of the scar capsule normally found around breast implants. In some women, especially old silicone gel implants which have leaked, the body reacted in a very exaggerated fashion forming very thick dense scar tissue with calcifications which in some cases resemble oyster shells. Calcification is NOT an automatic reason to remove the breast implants UNLESS the IDENTITY of the... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implant

If The calcifications is in the breast tissue , then no you do not need to remove the implant unless the se calcifications interfere with biobsing the calcifications. If you mean calcification of the capsule, then these are old implants and the capsule is calcified. This can interfer with mammogram , and if so then a total capsulectomy with or without exchange of implants can be done. This may make interpretation of the mammogram better, and the feel of the breast better.... more
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

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