What symptoms do you get if a silicon gel breast implant ruptures?

Question

Hi I am having shoulder pain and also burning pain in my neck and head and down my arms I was wondering if this is to do with a ruptured silicon gel implant or if it's nerve pain my breast implants look the same and there is no Harding or change in them also is it safe to get a MRI with gel silicon implants as I may be getting one to find out the cause of my pain

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

The vast majority of breast implants that rupture cause no symptoms at all. The most common symptom occurs when hardness develops in the breasts. It is very unlikely that your shoulder and neck pain is caused by the implants, but you should have a medical work up to see if implant removal would be helpful (especially if your implants are very big!).Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Eric Minns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In short, you really shouldn't have any symptoms related to your implant if it is ruptured.  It is commonly referred to as a "silent rupture" as there typically aren't any symptoms.  Capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue surrounding the implant) could cause pain but you state that you are not having any hardening.  After being seen by your plastic surgeon, an MRI will probably be recommended as you have stated, and yes, it is safe to undergo an MRI for diagnostic purposes.  Best of luck and hope your pain gets better.

Allen Clark III, MD (retired) · Answer

Patients that have a leak or rupture of their silicone implants very rarely have any symptoms. Some patients will experience some additional firmness of the breast called capsular contraction. Most patients do not have any symptoms.  The pain and other symptoms that you're having are most likely not due to a ruptured implant but for your peace of mind it would be safe to get an MRI of your breast to make sure that your implants are intact.  The FDA recommends to patients with silicone implants that they get an MRI of the breast periodically to rule out "silent rupture".  You should make a consult to see a board-certified plastic surgeon to get his/her advice.

What symptoms do you get if a silicon gel breast implant ruptures?

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What symptoms do you get if a silicon gel breast implant ruptures?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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