Silicone implant ruptured - what sort of replacement should I get?

Question

Had bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction and silicone implants in 1999. Left implant has ruptured. Need both removed and some sort of replacements.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Silicone breast implants contain a dense gel, which means that in case of rupture or leakage, it usually goes undetected as it leaks slowly and is typically confined within the breast tissue. As a result, ruptures of silicone breast implants are commonly called "silent ruptures."

Silicone implants have advantages compared to saline implants : they are softer, they have less chance of rippling and they hold their shape better.I would advise you to get a replacement with silicone implants again.

Anna Steve, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear that your implant is ruptured. All ruptured silicone implants should be removed and replaced. Generally silicone implant replacement offers a more natural shape and feel with less risk of visible rippling compared to saline alternatives. This is especially true for women who have had previous mastectomy and have very little of their own natural tissue to provide coverage over an implant. New screening guidelines for silicone implants suggest that patients should begin imaging with either MRI or ultrasound beginning 5 years after implants are placed and then every 2-3 years.

Silicone implant ruptured - what sort of replacement should I get?

Answers (2)

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