Is it safe to have a mammogram with a ruptured silicone implant?

Dear 80s_baby,

there is a chance that mammography will cause further rupture so it is better to get implants removed or replaced. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

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

Concerns regarding breast implants and breast cancer screening is common among the breast augmentation population.

Here are the facts:
-Mammogram remains the effective screening tool for breast cancer whether or not you have had augmentation

-In light of the increased prevalence of implants/augmentation, breast radiographers have become skilled in obtaining displacement views (Eklund views) and reviewing images with implants in place. Implant type/position should not affect the ability to obtain and review quality screening images.

-There is, within the literature, no documented decrease in the rate of detection among the breast augmentation population.

It is important to mention to your mammographer that you have undergone augmentation prior to your study. I also typically recommend a pre-operative study as a baseline.

With regards to your specific question, a ruptured implant is not a surgical emergency. Most go unrecognized and undiagnosed for years after the initial device compromise. In fact, they are often initially detected via screening mammogram. As such, there is no immediate danger from imaging (despite compression concerns).

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

If your implants are younger than 1993, then a mammogram is safe. From 1992-2007 we only had saline in the US available to women routinely. Beginning in 2007, the gel implants are like Jello and not liquid and will not spread much with mammograms.