Archives: LA Plastic Surgery Blog

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon Q & A

Ask Doctor Grover – How do I detect a ruptured breast implant?

Many women, especially with older generations of silicone implants may have had ‘silent ruptures’.  Some data suggest that with older generations of silicone implants that there were 50% silent ruptures after 10 years based on MRI studies.  With current Mentor Memory Gel implants, there is a 1.1% rupture rate after 6 years for first time breast augmentation patients based on their 6-year ‘core’ data, and a 3.8% rupture rate for first time reconstructive patients.  The best way to detect a rupture would be with an MRI as this can detect 99% of ruptures.

The FDA has recommended women with silicone implants consider having an MRI every 3 and then 2 years following augmentation.  This may be a bit extreme.  Check with your plastic surgeon to find out their recommendations.  Mammograms can also detect approximately 85% of ruptures and ultrasound can detect approximately 90-95% of ruptures depending on the type of ultrasound used.

For more information, contact Orange County Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sanjay Grover.