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)?
Answer: 33-year-old saline implants and mammogram 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
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Answer: 33-year-old saline implants and mammogram 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
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June 2, 2025
Answer: Saline implants and mammogram 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.
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June 2, 2025
Answer: Saline implants and mammogram 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.
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May 27, 2025
Answer: Rupture risk 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).
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May 27, 2025
Answer: Rupture risk 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).
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May 24, 2025
Answer: In my experience rupture rate of average filled saline implants is aprox: 4%. When overfilled ..... 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
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May 24, 2025
Answer: In my experience rupture rate of average filled saline implants is aprox: 4%. When overfilled ..... 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
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May 24, 2025
Answer: Old Implants and Mammography Definitely get your mammogram! If the implants rupture, get them replaced. Yes, the older your implants, the greater chance of rupture. Exchanging implants is usually a very quick and easy surgery. Most of my patients take one day off and either tylenol or nothing for pain. It's nothing like the original surgery. MRI is a great test for cancer detection, but much more expensive than a mammogram. Therefore, insurance usually will not pay for it unless the mammogram and Ultrasound show something suspicious that needs further workup. Get your mammogram!
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May 24, 2025
Answer: Old Implants and Mammography Definitely get your mammogram! If the implants rupture, get them replaced. Yes, the older your implants, the greater chance of rupture. Exchanging implants is usually a very quick and easy surgery. Most of my patients take one day off and either tylenol or nothing for pain. It's nothing like the original surgery. MRI is a great test for cancer detection, but much more expensive than a mammogram. Therefore, insurance usually will not pay for it unless the mammogram and Ultrasound show something suspicious that needs further workup. Get your mammogram!
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