Breast Implant Rupture? (Photo)

Question

I recently got an xray done by a chiropractor and I noticed my right breast looks different then the left. Does this look like a ruptured breast implant? I have saline breast implants that are about 8 years old.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

When a saline implant ruptures it deflates, causing the affected breast to decrease in size dramatically. This change in size is typically the easiest way to see whether an implant has ruptured. For a proper diagnosis, however, please see your surgeon.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

A saline rupture is a clinical diagnosis.  An XR will not detect a rupture.

When a saline device fails patients will observe a slow progressive loss of volume as the saline fill leaves the implant and is absorbed by the body.

If the breasts do not demonstrate a change, then I would not be concerned about a potential rupture.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, first, it is important to know if they look different or not, if they have asymmetrical sizes, saline implants tend to break over time and require changing in a period between 5 and 10 years, the most advisable thing would be to You will change to silicone. Thank you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear carafloyd23,
you can't detect implant rupture on X-rays. If you have any concerns, you should visit plastic surgeon and get an examination. 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

The best way to monitor for an implant rupture is with an ultrasound or MRI. This is particularly true for silicone breast implants. It is exceedingly rare for a saline implant to have a rupture and not fully deflate. You would essentially start to notice that your breast will deflate on one side continuously.

Tyler Frew, MD · Answer

Hi there,
You cant really tell on xray if the implant is ruptured. With saline implants it is very obvious if ruptured as your body will absorb all the saline and your breast size will decrease noticeably. So if your breasts are still the same size there is a very low likelihood that it is ruptured
All the best

Azita Madjidi, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Rupture does not get diagnosed on a plain X-ray. First is a clinical exam that shows one breast smaller than the other since your body will absorb the saline that would have leaked out in a few hours. If the breasts are heavy and clinical exam is heard, then an ultrasound could show an empty implant.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

If you are still not sure, any plastic surgeon can confirm this with an in person evaluation.
Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA