Can a mammogram cause an implant to rupture?

Thank you for your question.  In short, yes, in theory a mammogram can rupture an old implant.  This would be uncommon but possible.  If your implant is old and subject to injury from a mammogram, many other things could also injure the implant.  If there are folds in the implant, etc, if may be time to get it replaced.

A mammogram does squish the breast and can contribute to an already weak implant rupturing. Your implants are very old and it is likely that they were already weakened prior to this procedure. Folds on imaging suggest deflation. #PlasticSurgery #BreastAug #Implants #BreastImplants #deflatedimplants 

Thank you for your excellent question.  Because of the pressure applied to your breasts during a mammogram, it is possible for a saline implant to rupture.  Based on your narrative of the issues with your right breast, it sounds as if this may have happened.  See your plastic surgeon for an in-person evaluation.  They will be able to diagnose the issue and offer treatment recommendations.  

I typically tell my saline breast aug patients that they should expect at least ten years from their implants but that they can rupture at anytime.  The pressure from a mammogram can lead to rupture.  If you have had an acute change in feel or shape of your breast then you should see a board certified plastic surgeon.

I appreciate your question.

Yes this might be possible with a 20 year old implant.  Best to schedule an appointment with a plastic surgeon so they can examine you and recommend most appropriate and safe treatment plan at this time.



The best way to assess and give
true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified
plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.



best of luck!



Dr Schwartz

While it's not all that common, it is possible that a mammogram can cause a saline implant as old as yours to deflate.  Being that you are noticing that your right breast has been getting smaller and seems flatter than your left, it is quite possible that you do have a deflated implant, especially if your imaging is showing that your right implant has folds.  Either way at 20 years, it would be a good time to go see your surgeon for options for an implant exchange.  You've had a nice long run with your saline implants! ac

Thank you for sharing your question. This is common question. The answer is that, yes, unfortunately a mammogram could cause an implant to rupture/deflate (saline). However, this is very uncommon. It is much more likely that the implant was already having some issues prior to the mammogram. Most importantly though, the health benefits of breast cancer screening far outweigh any concerns about implant damage. Best wishes to you.

Mammography can cause implant deflation, capsular tears and other problems, but these problems are very uncommon.  The benefits of mammography far out weigh the risks.

Hi, llmaly.  It is unclear whether the mammogram caused deflation or you had the deflation prior to the study.  Implant is a safe medical device and it can fail - deflate.  Please visit a board-certified plastic surgeon to be evaluate in-person.  Best regards.

Dear IImaly:      Thank you for your question. From your description it seems that your implant may have deflated. Mammography can cause this deflation; even using the Eklund technique  However it can also happen because of the age of your implants, fold flaw, capsular contracture and/or trauma. All saline implant have valves and all valves fail with time. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon for evaluation. Good luck and I hope this helps!