Breast Implant Rupture Screening

Breast Implant Rupture Screening By One of the Leading TAMPA Surgeons

Learn More About Breast Implant Rupture Screening

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Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure, with many patients enjoying long-lasting, beautiful results. However, like any medical device, breast implants are not immune to wear and tear over time. One potential complication is implant rupture, which occurs when the outer shell of the implant develops a tear or hole. While some ruptures are immediately noticeable, others, particularly with silicone implants, can go undetected for years. At Brandon Plastic Surgery, Dr. Shienbaum offers High Definition  Ultrasound implant scanning to help assist breast augmentation patients detect and treat ruptures in a timely manner.

Types of Breast Implant Ruptures

There are various different types of implant ruptures, including:

Saline Implant Rupture

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution, and when they rupture, the effects are usually obvious. The saline leaks out quickly, causing the affected breast to deflate noticeably. This change can happen over a matter of days or weeks. While the body safely absorbs the saline solution, the deflated implant will need to be surgically removed and replaced if the patient desires to restore their breast volume.

Silicone Implant Rupture (Silent Rupture)

Silicone breast implants contain a silicone gel substance that mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Unlike saline implants, when a silicone implant ruptures, the gel often remains trapped within the implant shell or surrounding tissue. This is known as a “silent rupture” because there may be no visible signs, and patients may not even be aware that a rupture has occurred. Over time, the silicone may migrate beyond the implant, potentially leading to discomfort, changes in breast shape, or inflammation.

Common Symptoms of Breast Implant Rupture

For saline breast implants, rupture symptoms are clear due to the rapid loss of volume. However, with a ruptured silicone implant, symptoms can be more subtle and may include:

  • A change in breast shape or size
  • Increased firmness or hardness of the breast
  • Pain, tenderness, or discomfort
  • Swelling or inflammation
  • The development of lumps or irregularities in the breast
  • A sensation of tightness in the breast

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical evaluation promptly.

 

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How Breast Implant Ruptures Are Diagnosed

A plastic surgeon or healthcare provider will start by conducting a physical examination to assess any visible or palpable changes in the breast. However, because silent ruptures, which occur with silicone breast implants, can be difficult to detect manually, imaging tests are often necessary.

Imaging Tests

Ultrasound

High-definition ultrasound can screen  for  a ruptured breast implant by identifying signs of silicone leakage from the implant or accumulation in breast tissue. The FDA recommends that asymptomatic patients with breast implants should undergo ultrasound screening beginning 5-6 years after their implant surgery and 2-3 years after this period. Periodic ultrasound imaging of silicone breast implants is advised to screen for rupture, regardless of whether your implants are for cosmetic breast augmentation or reconstructive surgery.

There are various different types of silicone breast implant rupture, which each have their own unique signs.

Intracapsular Rupture

  • Stepladder Sign: A series of linear or curved lines running through the implant. This is the most reliable sign of an intracapsular rupture.
  • Keyhole, Noose, or Teardrop Sign: Silicone appears on both sides of a radial fold in the breast.
  • Linguine Sign: The implant shell folds over itself multiple times.

Extracapsular Rupture

  • Snowstorm Sign: A pattern of echogenic noise that obscures the implant and surrounding breast tissue.
  • Free Silicone: Silicone is visible in breast tissue or axillary lymph nodes, appearing as a hypoechoic mass or an echogenic nodule with a dirty shadow.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

In the past, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were widely accepted as one of the most accurate tests to diagnose implant rupture. However, these imaging tests are often very expensive, and not every patient can afford or gain access to MRI testing. Fortunately, we offer high-definition ultrasound technology to evaluate and  screen for  implant ruptures and leaks.

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If you have concerns regarding ruptured implants and would like to learn more about our offered screening tools, please contact Brandon Plastic Surgery near Tampa, FL, today.

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