How Can I Tell if my Silicone Implant Has Ruptured?

I got silicone implants six months ago. 5 days ago my friend threw me over his shoulder, as a fireman would, and I remember my left breast smashing so hard into his back that I immediately feared it had just ruptured. I can't really say I have any symptoms of leakage but the underneath of my breast, where I can feel the implant, feels a bit lumpy and not as smooth as the right, almost as if it was folding over inside. Could my doctor palpate enough to tell if this implant has now busted?

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rupture silicone implant 6 months post-op

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by cbma101 in Huntington, WV

Doctor Answers (9)
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Possible Implant Rupture

Newer silicone implants are very difficult to rupture, but I can understand your concerns and fears. Your surgeon will likely not be able to feel if the implant is ruptured. He/she can order the special MRI scan that could detect a rupture. It is consider the best method of detection other than surgically removing the implant and looking at it. Don't panic. Even if your implant is broken there is no danger to your health. Remain calm and... more

Concern for possible silicone gel implant rupture

Silicone gel implants are made extremely well and they can take quite a bit of force (more than many would think). Usually if there is an acute rupture of the implant, the capsule will tend to harden and contract but you probably would not see that yet at 5 days. I would agree that you need to see a board certified plastic surgeon, they would need to examine you, and an MRI would be definitive. If you elected to "watch it" and the breast began to harden over the next... more

Detecting Ruptured Gel Implant

While sometime apparent on physical examination, diagnosis of a ruptured gel breast implant is best accomplished with an MRI. I suggest that you seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who will examine you, order an MRI, and discuss treatment should the breast implant prove to ruptured.

Silicone Gel Implant Rupture?

I'm sorry to hear about your situation; hopefully you did not sustain significant enough “trauma” to rupture the rather resilient silicone gel implant. Unfortunately, physical examination is not always reliable in detecting a silicone gel implant rupture. Nevertheless it would be good for you to see your plastic surgeon and have him/her order an MRI study if either one of you remain concerned. I hope this helps.

Silicone Breast Implants and Detection of Rupture

Hello, It can be very difficult to tell if a silicone breast implant has ruptured based on physical exam alone. 1. MRI to Detect Silicone Implant Rupture- the gold-standard for detecting a silicone breast implant rupture is an MRI. According to FDA recommendations, MRIs should be performed for standard silicone breast implant monitoring 3 years after placement, and then every other year there after. 2. Physical Exam Findings of Silicone Implant Rupture-... more

Silicone implant rupture

Typically there are no findings on an examination. You will need to get an MRI to see if the implant is ruptured. You should call your surgeon to get this arranged is you fear that it is.

Michael Hueneke, MD

6 reviews

Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Implants and rupture

While it is unlikely your implant ruptured from that maneuver, it is a good idea to check it out. You should go for an exam with your doctor.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Silicone implant rupture detection

Hello, The new silicone implants are difficult to rupture thanks to a thicker shell and cohesive (gummy bear) silicone that is semi-solid. An MRI can help determine if an implant rupture has occured. Examination alone will not likely be able to definitively determine if a rupture has occured. Another way to determine if rupture is present is to have your plastic surgeon to open up a small portion of the incision under local and in a sterile fashion and to see if... more

Detecting A Ruptured Silicone Implant

Unfortunately physical exam is not very reliable in detecting a possible ruptured gel/silicone implant. Long standing rupture could potentially render the breast harder to the touch but that is not always accurate either. The best solution is seeing a board certified plastic surgeon and obtaining an MRI scan.