What are the symptoms of slow leakage in silicone/gummy bear breast implants (2012)?

Question

-I have had silicone/gummy bear breast implants since December 2012. -had an MRI in 2013 that noted my implants ARE still intact.... - I was referred to a hospital and the tech administered a breast ultrasound which noted swollen lymph nodes, but I received a call saying this was "not something to be concerned about" ( this was 2014). Four years later, I've been experiencing some discomfort again. Is it possible that my implants ARE still intact but slowly leaking?

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

You dont indicate if you are experiencing discomfort in the breasts, or if it involves swollen lymph nodes. Modern cohesive gel implants have very little gel " bleed "  from an intact implant. Typically , this usually causes hardening, or capsule contracture, which can be uncomfortable. A repeat MRI is reasonable at this point, and if you have lymph nodes that remain enlarged and tender, a biopsy may be indicated. Make an appointment with your surgeon for a thorough evaluation.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

MRI is the most sensitive and specific test for detecting rupture. An in-office consultation with your PS would provide you with the most accurate advice in determining whether another MRI is warranted and perhaps lessen your anxiety.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Charles R. Nathan, MD, FACS · Answer

With highly cohesive gel implants it may be difficult to detect rupture without a MRI.  An MRI is the most sensitive way to pickup a rupture.  On exam, one feels to see if the implants has maintained it consistency and don't feel overly soft or inconsistent.  The FDA has recommended an MRI three years after implantation of a silicone implant and every other year after that.  I would recommend you get a MRI and follow up with your surgeon.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Modern cohesive silicon gel breast implants a do not leak.  However a rupture is possible as is capsular contracture.,  I would suggest that you see your plastic surgeon and have another MRI to see if there is any evidence of rupture.

Daniel Greenwald, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

One nice thing about modern gel (gummy bear) implants is that there is nothing inside that can leak out.  If you have discomfort it can be due to inflammation that might be controllable with an asthma medication called Accolate (Zafirkulast).  This is a specific kind of anti-inflammatory drug that blocks a specific inflammatory pathway (the leukotriene path) that can help your breasts feel better.  It is definitely worth trying this: we typically start with a month of treatment and continue for a total of three months if patients are feeling better.

What are the symptoms of slow leakage in silicone/gummy bear breast implants (2012)?

Answers (5)