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)?
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!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
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!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
