Concerned about ruptured silicone breast implant

The best test to detect silicone implant rupture (specially for the newer silicone implants) is an MRI.Usually a capsule (scar) forms around the implant after a breast augmentation surgery.  This capsule can be very thin or thicker in some cases.  The capsule generally contains the ruptured silicone material and prevents it from leaking into the tissues.  The older silicone gel implants are a lot less viscous (less cohesive) and at times can leak thru the capsule and into the tissues.  If this happens, it is a bit more work to remove the silicone that has leaked into the tissues.  This is not very common event.  Usually the implant material stays confined to the capsule and it can all be remove en bloc (together as one) without allowing any to leak out during the removal.I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options of removal.Hope that helps.

Hi Jody, sorry to hear about what you are going thru. I would say, though, that the real test for a ruptured implant is an MRI, and if it suggests rupture, it's correct about 98% of the time. Mammo/ultrasound are not sensitive nor specific enough to really diagnose. You should see your surgeon, before or after the MRI, and be evaluated. If it is ruptured, it should be removed, and if done well, can be removed completely and another placed without significant leakage or silicone left behind. Best.