Chest x-ray findings of my implants. What do they mean?

Question

I just got a chest x-ray and I'm not sure if my implant had ruptured by what it says on the findings. I am seeing my doctor next week, but I'd like to get information beforehand. My implants are 27 years old, which I am totally all for a revision. Here are the findings: New density over the right lower chest represents artifact related to breast implant. Does this mean that I have a rupture? By the way, my right breast is drooping. :( Thank you in advance.

Rukmini S. Rednam, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello toponderon,I know it can be hard to be patient but in this case I would recommend waiting to talk with you doctor at your appointment next week.  MRI and not X-ray is the gold standard for evaluating the integrity of silicone breast implants but certainly any new finding should be evaluated by your doctor. Artifact in an x-ray can be from movement, material or any number of things so without seeing the image nothing can really be said.  That being said even with the image a definitive answer may not be known because of the type of imaging. I would speak with our board certified plastic surgeon to determine if there is a concern for rupture or if additional imaging if needed. Best of Luck!Dr. Rednam

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

A chest xray can not determine if your breast implants have ruptured.  The best way of telling is with an MRI.  At times, a mammogram can suggest a rupture but an MRI is usually required to determine if in fact they are.Hope that helps.

Basim A. Matti, MBChB FRCS · Answer

Answer: Hi, and thank you for your question. As you are no doubt aware, breast implants do not last a lifetime, and do need to be replaced eventually. You might benefit from an MRI or ultrasound, which will give your surgeon more information on the integrity of your implant and the health of your breast tissue, but I would advise that you speak with your doctor and arrange these scans, along with a follow-up consultation. Wishing you the very best.

Erik Hoy, MD · Answer

Sorry you are having to deal with this problem with your implants!  The xray findings are not very specific-- it's best to see your plastic surgeon in consultation, and to obtain an ultrasound or MRI to better investigate to possibility of a ruptured implant.  Hoping for good news for you!Best wishes,--Erik Hoy, MDProvidence Plastic Surgeon

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and apparently, your study shows something that they call artifact (something that doesn't really exist as its caused by the implant).  But with 27 y/o implants, you should consider just changing them out and consider a lift if really needed.  If you're found to be in the gray zone, put it off as you may find your looks great with just the new implants alone.  But you should follow up with someone (your surgeon or plastic surgeon) to ensure your study was appreciated and acknowledged.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

The gold standard imaging study for implant integrity is an MRI. Plain Chest X-ray is not very helpful in most cases. Mammography and ultrasound may also provide helpful information regarding rupture, fluid collections around the implant, etc. Any finding that is unusual on an X-ray in the breast area warrants an exam in the office and potential additional imaging to make sure that the abnormality is not related to your breast tissue or suspicious for malignancy. It is conceivable you could have calcifications around a ruptured implant but nobody here on RealSelf can advise you properly on this without examining you, seeing the X-ray directly, and ordering additional workup.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

I would suggest that you await your consultation and determine the course of action to replace your 27 year-old implants.  I find that many implants of that age are either seeping or ruptured.  Though possibly suggestive of a rupture, the cxr results are too vague and non-specific to be of much help.Plan on getting your old implants changed and be certain to have appropriate screening for abnormal breast tissue before proceeding.  This might be either a mammogram or an MRI.  In the long run I think you'll be fine and would suggest that you not lose sleep over the CXR report.Best wishes,
Jon A Perlman MD FACS 
  
Certified, Am Board of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, Am. Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) 
  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
  
Beverly Hills, Ca

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Without seeing your xrays we cannot know what the radiologist meant, you would have to ask that doctor. But chest xrays are not a good way to determine the integrity of implants.. See a board certified plastic surgeon for ideas on where to go from here.

Chest x-ray findings of my implants. What do they mean?

Answers (9)

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