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I Have Had Saline Implants Submuscular Since 1995. Should I Be Concerned About Rupture?

I have had submuscular implants since 1995. Should I be concerned about rupture now that I am getting close to mammogram age?

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by Brenda in GA in Columbus, GA

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Older Breast Implants Tend to Rupture

You are lucky. The risk of rupture for saline implants that are more than 15 years old is about 50%. I would not avoid a mammogram if recommended by your physician as it is an important screening test for breast cancer. On the other hand it is only a matter of time before they rupture, so you might want to research the next step in advance.

Benefit outweighs the risk

Implants typically do not rupture with mammography. The benefit of this test outweighs the risk. It is the best tool available to detect breast cancer. WOW - 17 years and counting, what a great implant life span!

George John Alexander, MD

3 reviews

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Rupture risk of breast implants

As long as your breasts are maintaining the same size and fullness, you should be fine. If they rupture your breasts will probably become much flatter.

Saline Implants from 1995

I agree with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix" philosophy. The great thing about saline implants is that when they rupture, they will go flat very quickly and your body will absorb the water.

Saline impalnts since 1995

I always say if they aint broke don't fix'em. In other words, if the implants are soft and look good leave them alone. If there is a problem seek a consultation with a surgeon to be evaluated.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Old implants, what should I do?

If you are happy with the size, shape, feel, and appearance of your implants nothing needs to be done. Saline implants will deflate if the shell leaks so you should know if a problem develops. Mammograms are fine. Cheers, Dr Kerr

Mahlon Kerr, MD

16 reviews

Austin Plastic Surgeon

The beauty of a saline implant, wear without worry

What is very nice about a saline implant is that you can wear the implant without a worry about leak until the unfortunate day arrives. The implants may last many more years and the mammogram should not cause a problem. Best of luck, Peter Johnson, MD

All Saline Implants Have Potential For Rupture

All saline implants have the potential to rupture, but I would not be overly concerned about a mammagram causing an implant rupture. I have many intact saline implants from the 80s and 90s in women who have had multiple mammagrams.

Saline implants since 1995

When a saline implant ruptures and leaks typically all of the saline will leak out of the implant and the patient will notice a size difference. Usually this is not associated with any event although it may be associated with trauma in a small percentage of cases. It is also usually not associated with any discomfort. You should be aware, however, the the risk of implant rupture does increase with the age of the implant especially after 10 years. I tell my patients that... more

Ralph R. Garramone, MD

7 reviews

Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

Saline Breast Implants and Rupture?

Thank you for the question. One of the advantages of saline breast implants is that if there is a leakage it is generally easy to diagnose clinically. Therefore, you should not be “concerned about rupture” regardless of how long they have been in place. Instead, enjoy your good fortune on a daily basis. Although silicone gel breast implants have their own advantages, one of the disadvantages with silicone gel breast implants is the potential for “silent... more

If it's not broke don't fix it.

As more people answer your question there will probably be some varying opinions, so at this point I will share my philosophy with you. I generally do not recommend changing a saline implant if you look good, you are happy, and there are no problems. If a saline implant leaks it is just saltwater that comes out which is what your body is already made of. If the implant leaks it's not a guessing game. You'll likely wake up one morning, look down and realize that... more

Saline implants in for 17 years. Worried about possible rupture.

Although no implant is designed to be "permanent," the vast majority of breast implants (saline OR silicone) do NOT automatically require replacement after a certain length of time. Unless you have visible rippling and creasing of your saline implant shell, there is not a high risk of leak or rupture, even as you start to receive routine mammograms. You should inform your mammography technician that you have implants (even if you checked the box on your intake form, do not... more