Fluid around silicone implant. How should I interpret different results of MRI?

Question

Just recently had silicone implants changed out because of a misread MRI stating a rupture. The implants were actually intact and I had a tissue mass where they claimed the rupture was. Now about a week ago I started getting two pronounced lump on the bottom of my left breast. The surgeon told me it was the implant coming through the muscle. An ultrasound showed two small pockets of fluid around the scar capsule. I am now so confused with these two conflicting results.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

If the ultrasound shows a fluid collection, have the radiologist drain them! Another MRI could differentiate if it is fluid or implant. A good radiologist should be able to interpret the ultrasound and drain fluid collections.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I think you will receive the best information and advice from well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons (especially the surgeon who just operated on you) who have the opportunity to examine you AND evaluate the results of the imaging studies. In other words, in-person examination and correlation with the imaging studies will likely give you the  best chance of accurate diagnosis (and treatment options).   Best wishes.

Suzanne M. Quardt, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, an MRI can
only provide a limited amount of information about what is causing your
anomalies, so it is important that you work closely with your surgeon, using
multiple tools, to determine exactly what is going on.An MRI, for instance, can detect the presence
of fluid, but not what the fluid is or what is causing it.So additional examinations and testing, and
potentially surgery, may be required to get to the root of the problem.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your
question.With an MRI, it is all about
the amount of fluid that is present.If
it is a small amount of fluid and it is just water, it could be ignored.If it is not, then further investigation may
be warranted.But, just an MRI finding
is not enough to do surgery.An MRI only
gives us an idea of what they think the lumps could be, unfortunately, it
cannot tell us exactly what the anomaly is made out of.I would suggest you follow up with your
surgeon to make sure all your bases are covered.I hope this helps and best of luck with this
situation.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If the study suggests it is fluid, then perhaps you need it drained under guidance by a radiologist.

Fluid around silicone implant. How should I interpret different results of MRI?

Answers (5)

Answer: Fluid around implant

Answer: Fluid around implant

Answer: Lumps or fluid

Answer: Lumps or fluid

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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Fluid around silicone implant. How should I interpret different results of MRI?

Answers (5)

Answer: Fluid around implant

Answer: Fluid around implant

Answer: Lumps or fluid

Answer: Lumps or fluid

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.