When researching online, you are sure to find plenty of conflicting information about silent rupture in silicone breast implants. Information such as how often to get checked, and whether or not you need to get your implants removed following a rupture is important to know before a primary breast augmentation. But you shouldn’t rely on medical information provided by a blogger or YouTube personality. The FDA regulates medical devices and provides recommendations to keep women safe and healthy. Read our informational guide below to learn what the FDA says about silent ruptures including how to detect them, how often to get checked, and whether or not you should get them removed following a rupture.
What Is Silent Rupture?
Should you be worried about a silent rupture? The short answer is, no. The FDA has approved silicone gel implants for use in women 22 and older. They are safe, and can provide benefits such as increased self-esteem. However, the FDA also states that breast implants are not lifetime devices, and may encounter complications such as rupture. When a saline or structured implant ruptures, the saline inside flows out and the implant visibly deflates. Silent ruptures occur when a rupture in a silicone gel implant does not show symptoms. Silicone implants are filled with thick silicone gel, which tends to stay close to the implant shell if a hole or tear forms. The FDA recommends removal and replacement for any ruptured implant, whether or not it is causing adverse symptoms.
How To Detect A Silent Rupture
Silent rupture does not show physical symptoms, and cannot be accurately diagnosed by a physical exam. So how do women know whether or not their implant is intact? The FDA recommends MRI scans three years after surgery, then every two years for the life of the implant. However, MRIs are expensive and time consuming leading many women to skip their scans. High Resolution Ultrasound (HRUS) is now being tested to detect silent rupture, giving women an easy and inexpensive alternative to MRI. Dr. Herluf Lund is one of the exclusive surgeons in the St. Louis area to offer HRUS for silent rupture detection. To schedule your HRUS, contact Dr. Lund’s office today.
Alternatives To Silicone Implants
For women who have concerns about silent rupture, or simply do not want to deal with time and money involved with monitoring their implant, Dr. Lund provides alternatives to silicone gel breast implants – saline and IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implants, which provide the same natural result of silicone gel, but without the risk of silent rupture. To learn more about your options for breast enhancement, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lund. Call 636-223-5880 to get started today.
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