The FDA Recommends Breast Ultrasound Screening for Breast Implant Rupture and Leak Detection
More than 1 to 2 million women in the United States have breast implants. The older a breast implant is, the higher your chances are of experiencing a leak or rupture. However, with the right care, problems can be detected early. Women with implants can benefit from routine breast ultrasound screening to detect ruptures and leaks. By checking often and early, you can minimize the risk of breast implant-related complications.
What Causes Breast Implant Ruptures?
Current studies indicate that there is no evidence supporting the idea that breast implants increase your chances of developing breast cancer. However, there may be a link to the development of a rare type of cancer that may occur in the areas surrounding a breast implant.
While implants do not directly increase your chances of developing breast cancer, there are other factors that can raise your risk. Some health risks associated with implants include pain, changes in sensation, scarring, rupture, leaks, difficulty breastfeeding and fatigue.
What Is the Lifespan of Breast Implants?
The lifespan of implants is influenced by several factors, such as the type of implant you have, your age and your surgeon's technique. Ruptures (silicone) occur in up to 24% of cases over 10 years. And the likelihood of them occurring increases over time. Overall, about 20% of people will have implant replacement surgery within 8 to 10 years.
Silicone and saline implants both last a similar length of time, which is about 10 to 15 years. It's important to keep in mind that implants do not last forever. Eventually, they will need to be replaced or removed, especially if they rupture. Some common signs that it may be time for replacement include:
- A change in appearance, such as hardening or lumps
- Asymmetry where one breast seems larger or sits higher than the other
- Wrinkles or ripples appearing on your breast
- A change in your breast's shape or position
- A sudden loss of volume (especially with saline implants)
- Persistent tenderness or pain
- New areas of numbness or tingling sensations
- Unusual swelling in your breast
All of these signs may indicate that it's time to remove or replace your implants. If you notice these symptoms, schedule an ultrasound screening.
What Causes Breast Implant Ruptures?
A ruptured implant can happen for several reasons, including trauma and the age of the implant, implant defects and capsular contracture. The age of your implants is a common reason for rupture (especially over time). However, rupture associated with trauma, capsular contracture and implant defects are relatively less common.
A ruptured breast implant can pose several health risks. But the severity depends on the implant type and the location of the rupture. A rupture can lead to silicone gel leakage, infection and other conditions. In rare cases, lymphedema can occur. Unfortunately, a rupture is not always obvious, which is why routine ultrasound screening is recommended for anyone with breast implants.
Signs of Saline vs. Silicone Rupture
One of the primary reasons for a breast implant replacement is a rupture. The signs of a rupture depend on the type of implant you have.
Silicone Rupture
Silicone rupture is also known as the "silent rupture" because it can occur without noticeable symptoms.. This is because the gel slowly leaks out of the implant and may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, if you do experience symptoms, you may notice a change in the size and shape of your breast, increased firmness, pain and swelling.
Saline Rupture
A rupture involving a saline implant is more obvious, and you'll quickly know that something is wrong. When a saline implant fails, it will feel like a deflation. The saline quickly leaks out over several days, and there will be an obvious difference in its appearance. You may also notice nipple sensitivity changes, pain, tenderness, and rippling in your breast tissue.
When a saline implant ruptures, your body will absorb the saltwater content from the implant. This solution is harmless. However, the collapsed shell will still require surgical removal. The substance from a silicone implant may cause inflammation and irritation in the tissue surrounding it. Additionally, more scar tissue can form over time, which may lead to more problems in the affected breast. In some cases, this gel can migrate and cause lumps or swollen lymph nodes. Surgery is also necessary in the case of a silicone implant rupture, even if you are not experiencing any physical symptoms.
Women with either type of implant should schedule regular physical examinations with their physician. In addition, they should also undergo periodic imaging.
Because implants can make it more challenging to detect breast cancer, medical professionals recommend scheduling annual mammograms. Women should also conduct regular self-exams of their breasts. Regular self-exams can help familiarize individuals with their normal appearance and feel, making it easier to quickly notice any changes.
The FDA Recommends Breast Ultrasound Screening for Breast Implant Imaging
Current guidelines indicate that imaging screenings should include an MRI or ultrasound, and the first one should occur between 5 and 6 years after surgery. After the initial screening, you should schedule them every 2 to 3 years.
An ultrasound can detect a breast implant leak through the use of sound waves that use echo detection to create real-time images. These images can reveal common issues like a collapsed (or folded) shell, free silicone and other irregularities.
Mammograms can also confirm whether you have a breast implant rupture. However, they are not always the most reliable method for discovering certain types of silicone implant ruptures.
The Power of Breast Ultrasound Screening for Women With Implants
Using ultrasound technology is a non-invasive, painless way to check for early signs of an implant rupture. Another benefit is that there is no exposure to radiation during your appointment. A breast ultrasound screening with our certified sonographers is quick, taking around 20 minutes or less. Check out our FAQs section to learn more about our process.
