Can an ultrasound detect a ruptured silicone implant?

Question

Hello, I will be going for my mammogram, and an ultrasound. I suspect that my right implant has ruptured do to tenderness upon touching and that it is drooping. Question being, will an ultrasound be able to detect anything for this? I know that a MRI is the best way to go, but I am not sure that my insurance company will cover it. Please help. I am a 52 year old female with 27 year old implants. I haven't found a plastic surgeon doctor just yet, but I just want to make sure before I do anything

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,The quick answer is that ultrasound will probably regularly replace MRI due to improved resolution, and it is certainly available in select locations now.  Remember, just because the FDA website says 'gold standard', does not mean it really is best.  Regardless, you have relatively old implants and an unacceptable breast appearance. It seems that you would want a revision surgery just based on this appearance, so therefore no test is necessary and you can just proceed with surgery. when you are financially able. Remember, a ruptured implant is not dangerous. Best of luck!

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Yes, an Ultrasound will be able to detect you rupture but not with the same accuracy.  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

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, MRI is still the best test to potentially detect ruptured silicone implant - and even then is not 100%.  Although it maybe possible to detect a rupture with a mammogram or ultrasound, the yield is significantly lower.  Therefore using these other tests, although cheaper, has a significantly higher chance of missing a rupture.  The only way to 100% know for sure is to undergo surgery and look at the implant itself.Best of luck and hope this information helps!Dr. Roger Tsai   @DrRogerTsai

Joseph Mele, MD · Answer

Other than surgery, the MRI is the most accurate way to determine if an implant is ruptured. It is about 90% accurate in situations when a problem is suspected, as opposed to surgery which is 100% accurate. If you are planning to have breast revision surgery, then put the money for the MRI towards surgery. If you are not planning to have surgery, the MRI is the best test. Other tests will miss problems (false negatives) or show problems that do not exist (false positives).

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear toponderon,ultrasound might help you diagnose possible implant rupture. But an MRI is still the golden standard. If you are concerned, you can always consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Can an ultrasound detect a ruptured silicone implant?

Answers (8)

Answer: MRI to Check Breast Implants

Answer: MRI to Check Breast Implants

Answer: Implant rupture

Answer: Implant rupture

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Can an ultrasound detect a ruptured silicone implant?

Answers (8)

Answer: MRI to Check Breast Implants

Answer: MRI to Check Breast Implants

Answer: Implant rupture

Answer: Implant rupture

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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