I’ve recently noticed my upper pole volume has decreased and they are really really soft. Could it be a rupture? (Photos)

Dear bgittens88,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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

A silicone rupture is typically undetectable without imaging.

A ruptured silicone implant will appear and behave the same as an intact device. Patients will typically be asymptomatic. Thus the term "silent rupture."

FDA recommendation is for regular surveillance imaging (at 5 yrs post op and every 2-3 years moving forward). However, without imaging, there is likely a significant population of patients naive to a rupture.

With regards to your specific question, your symptoms are not necessarily indicative of a change in status. If you are concerned, MRI is the exam of choice.

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

Thank you for your question. Silicon implant ruptures with the current generation of devices are typically silent. An imaging modality such as MRI and maybe ultrasound may be able to detect. Discussing these concerns with your surgeon is the first step and hopefully provide some clarity. Good luck on your journey!

Based on the photos, there are no clear signs of implant rupture. Typically, when an implant ruptures, it can lead to localized inflammation.
Over time, some softening may occur due to the gradual downward shift of the breast tissue along with the implant, but this alone is not a definite sign of rupture.
To be sure, imaging tests are necessary. A breast ultrasound or MRI can clearly show whether the implant is intact or ruptured.
That said, based on your photos, there are no visible signs of inflammation that would suggest implant rupture at this time.