If a saline implant is partially calcified, do I need to remove the implant?

Question

After a mammogram done about three weeks ago the results shown left breast saline implant partially calcified

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. The calcifications you are describing are likely within the capsule surrounding the implant. This is commonly seen and doesn't suggest there's imminent problem with the implant. It does correlate with a tighter capsule which is referred to as a contracture. As long as the calcifications are not within the breast tissue there is no reason to think that this is a cancer risk.You are best off having this capsule and implant removed and replacing it with a silicone gel implant. Find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area who is an ASAPS member. The Smart Beauty Guide is an excellent resource. Best of Luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If the implant capsule is partially calcified it is typically recommended to have the implant and capsule removed.  These calcifications can sometimes cause issues in mammography. Your health including early detection for breast cancer is the priority.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  If the tissue around your implant has hardened and calcified, best to remove the implant and its surrounding scar capsule.  The capsule can be analyzed by pathology while new implant placement will leave you with a softer, more comfortable breast.

Eric Fynn-Thompson, MD · Answer

More than likely it is the capsule around the implant that is calcified as the silicone shell and saline in the implant cannot be calcified. This usually is associated with a capsular contracture and if there is any pain or deformity, you might want to consider total capsulectomy and removal of the implants with exchange to a new implant. This should preferably be done on both sides to avoid the need to have to do the other side soon after if there is an issue on the other side, and also it creates better symmetry with similar implants on both sides.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

I think you are misunderstanding the report, or the report is faulty. Implants do not calcify, but the capsule, or scar tissue around them, does. We would recommend a removal of the scar tissue and new implants as these must be quite old to see that change.

If a saline implant is partially calcified, do I need to remove the implant?

Answers (5)