Is there another diagnostic test that other than an MRI that would show a rupture?

Thank you for your question. Sometimes a breast sonogram and or a mammogram can be used to determine a rupture. I would recommend speaking with your Surgeon and following their recommendations.

Thank you for your question.
In the case of diagnosing a ruptured silicone implant, an ultrasound and CT is a great substitution to a MRI. I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon for further evaluation and to address your concerns.

Ultrasound and CT imaging can also be used to detect implant rupture. Ultrasound is an excellent tool for detecting implant rupture that is non-invasive and radiation-free. CT is generally not the first test of choice given its lower sensitivity and specificity. (Silicone looks similar to other tissues on a CT image, making something called extra-capsular rupture more difficult to detect.)
Something called capsular contracture can cause implants to sit higher on the chest and cause an asymmetry between the sides. This can occur with and without rupture of the breast implant.

Yes, both MRI and HFUS (high frequency ultrasound) are good techniques to determine if your implants are intact. However, it is always best to go to your surgeon first so that he/she can examine you and decide which is the best course of action. Your surgeon can also give you an idea of why the left implant is higher and more hard, since many times this is not due to rupture. Best of luck!

Dear eresendez0207,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi and thank you for your question. It sounds like you may not have a rupture but capsular contracture in that breast. Have you visted a Plastic Surgeon yet? Your surgeon should be able to direct you to and determine is any diagnostic testing is required. If your surgeon determines you have capsular contracture it can be corrected with surgery. At that time they would be able to detemine if you have a rupture and the implant will be sent back to the manufacturer for inspection. I hope this helps. I've attached a link to a website that will explain in more detail. Good luck and please see Board Certified Plastic Surgeons.

Yes, there are other options for you besides an MRI. Ruptures may be detected with an ultrasound. I encourage you to begin by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for an examination. Your surgeon will advise how best to proceed.

Yes, you can start with an ultrasound and then get a mammogram if needed. Together they would be fairly accurate.

The best imaging to show silicone implant rupture is a breast MRI. If an MRI is not possible, an ultrasound may also show an obvious rupture or even a mammogram. That said, no radiologic imaging is perfect. You could get a breast MRI that did not show a rupture and still have a rupture. Alternatively, the breast MRI could show a rupture and then there could be no rupture when the implant is removed. At the end of the day, the only way to know with 100% certainty whether or not you have a rupture is by surgically removing the implant. Incidentally, silicone implant ruptures are usually either silent or present with pain due to the irritation of the silicone to the surrounding tissues. Also, unlike saline implant ruptures, in which the breast deflates, silicone implant ruptures can actually make the breast bigger due to the inflammation that it can cause to the surrounding breast tissue. Your hard left breast sounds like capsular contracture. Many insurance companies cover implant removal for painful capsular contracture.