33-year-old saline implants and mammogram - Are the chances of rupture high for me?

Question

I am 56 yo with 33-year-old, saline implants. I have not had a mammogram in eight years because I am afraid they will rupture. I know that I cannot continue to forego such an important test at my age. My OB/Gyn mentioned MRI instead of traditional mammography. Are the chances of rupture high for me? Is MRI as good as mammography? Or, should the implants be replaced despite not causing me any issues (no contracture, etc)?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Though there is no specified time that implants need to be replaced it is a good idea to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon for an exam just to rule out any obvious concerns.  You can elect to have them replaced at any time.  I encourage you to continue with regular mammograms.  There is an increased risk of rupture due to the age of your implants but it's not worth risking your health over concerns about your implants.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lorntor,

yes, there is a high risk of rupture of 33-year old implants and they should be replaced. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

There is a risk that your implants may rupture during mammography, but the risks do not outweigh the benefits. It is far more important to undergo screening for breast cancer, than to worry about damage to the implants. An MRI is a reasonable option. A prophylactic implant replacement is not indicated or necessary.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Traditional risk of rupture is quoted at slightly more than 10% at ten years post op. This rate rises at approximately 1% per year. Salines have a slightly higher risk than silicone (potentially as a function of the ease of rupture diagnosis).

With regards to your particular question, your risk of rupture is still less than 50% at 33 years post op. I would not forego mammogram to protect an implant. MRI is a more sensitive test but for this reason it is not used as a screening modality.

There is no need to replace an implant that is not having/causing issues.

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

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

on average 10 -13%, when possible, the rupture rate of the implants is less than 2%. I recently had a woman who wished to change her size after 27 years and the saline implants seemed brand new, when removed, like the day I put them in. See the link below to read my published article on this topic. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

33-year-old saline implants and mammogram - Are the chances of rupture high for me?

Answers (7)

Answer: Rupture risk

Answer: Rupture risk

Answer: In my experience rupture rate of average filled saline implants is aprox: 4%. When overfilled .....

Answer: In my experience rupture rate of average filled saline implants is aprox: 4%. When overfilled .....

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

33-year-old saline implants and mammogram - Are the chances of rupture high for me?

Answers (7)

Answer: Rupture risk

Answer: Rupture risk

Answer: In my experience rupture rate of average filled saline implants is aprox: 4%. When overfilled .....

Answer: In my experience rupture rate of average filled saline implants is aprox: 4%. When overfilled .....

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.