Can a Mammogram Rupture a Silicone Gel Implant?

asked 2 years ago by kwm
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 1,564 times
Tags: silicone implant, mammogram, rupture

I have silicone gel implants and I'm worried about future mammograms causing silent ruptures. My implants will be 16 years-old by the time I get my 1st mammogram. What is the likelihood of a mammogram rupturing an implant? I know that MRI's are the best option for silicone gel breast implants, but I doubt my insurance will cover this. Plus, I don't want my insurance to know I have breast implants because I'm scared they'll drop me. I'm considering switching to saline implants prior to needing mammograms because at least I can tell if it ruptured or not. Advice/suggestions appreciated.

9 answers to Can a Mammogram Rupture a Silicone Gel Implant?

Mammograms and ruptured breast implants

The mammogram probably cannot rupture an intact implant but it can release the scar envelope around an implant and if the implant is already ruptured, the gel can then escape into the tissues. I once took care of a patient on whom exactly this happened. She had old gel implants placed years before. They were ruptured but contained within the capsule. They were below the muscle. The mammogram tore the capsule and the pressure of the exam injected the gel up through the pec muscle into... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Don't get rid of your silicone breast implants just yet! Options for rupture detection

I share your concerns with my patients. Howver, recently there has been some research that has shown that high resolution ultrasound may be a very effective tool for diagnosing silicone breast implant rupture. Another option is that many MRI facilities are willing to charge significantly less for cash prepay. Whereas an MRI may run up to $3000 at a hospital facility, many free standing centers are willing to perform the servce for around $400. Call around and ask! I hope that this helps... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Mammograms And Implant Rupture?

Thank you for the question. Although theoretically possible it is very unlikely/unusual that a mammogram would rupture any type of implant. Every experienced plastic surgeon probably has anecdotal evidence to the contrary but it is hard to prove if the suppose it mammogram related rupture was really causative. In other words, the implant may have ruptured prior to the mammogram study. In your case, given that your implants will be 16 years old, I would suggest an... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Mammograms and implant rupture

I have seen patients where rough handling during mammography has caused implant rupture so this can happen. I always recommend that patients inform the radiologist in advance that their breasts have been augmented so the radiologist can instruct the mammography technician accordingly. There is a big variation in MRI prices depending upon the center but there are outpatient radiology clinics which will perform an MRI for about $400. If your current implants are not ruptured or show signs... more

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Mammogram and implant rupture

It is possible that a mammogram could potentially rupture your implants, but it is highly unlikely. Most are experienced dealing with implant patients.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Mammograms and breast implants

The risk of breast implant rupture increases with age of the implant. I would not worry about it, as you need to do your routine screening. The implants come with warranty also, so that is a reassurance. I would bet that the insurance comapny can find out that you have implants with no trouble at all, so I would not recommend lying on your forms. Finally, I would not recommend exchanging the implants unless you have a problem with your current ones, as you will be subjecting... more

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Safe mammograms after breast implants.

Hi. It's possible to rupture breast implants during mammography but it is very rare. What you need to do is find a mammographer who does hundreds of mammograms on women with implants, because there are special techniques needed. You certainly don't need to replace your implants.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants and mammograms

Technically, you could sustain a ruptured implant during a mammogram, but this would be unusual. Be sure to tell the technician that you have implants in prior to your mammogram, as there are techniques to move the implant while imaging your breast tissue. You can speak to your OB/gyn who is ordering the mammogram to see if he/she might recommend an MRI instead. This may or may not be covered by your insurance company depending upon your policy. I would not suggest switching to saline... more

Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Ruptured Implants and Mammograms

I agree with Dr. Rand. Mammograms can tell density and are more apt to show calcifications (in scar tissue or in breast tumors) than anything else. It would be unusual for them to pick a leaking gel implant unless the radiologist was a phenomenal reader. As was pointed below, there were multiple cases of implant ruptures, especially with older, very thing shell / envelope implants, caused by the compression used in mammograms. This is NOT as common these days as implants have better,... more