Breast implant technology is constantly improving. Modern breast implants are made with innovative fill materials and feature durable outer shells. Not to mention they undergo rigorous clinical testing. Still, breast implants aren’t lifetime medical devices. While it’s not unusual for breast implants to last upwards of 10 or even 20 years, they may eventually need to be replaced through revision surgery. Fortunately, with a complimentary screening, our in-office ultrasound can help you decide if it’s time.
How Do I Know If I Need Breast Implant Revision?
There are a few different reasons why you might need breast implant revision. The most obvious reason is a ruptured implant. A ruptured saline implant will deflate as the saltwater gets absorbed by the body. This process isn’t harmful but can result in apparent breast asymmetry. A silicone rupture isn’t so easy to detect without breast imaging tests such as an ultrasound or an MRI.
Other reasons to pursue breast implant revision include the following:
- Pain or tightness from capsular contracture
- Desire to change breast size
- Desire to change implant shape or material
- Implant displacement or drooping breasts
What Imaging is Best for a Breast Implant Rupture?
As mentioned above, a ruptured silicone implant is more difficult to detect than a ruptured saline implant. That’s because silicone gel is cohesive, and it will continue to hold its shape even after the shell of the implant has failed. The term “silent rupture” describes this situation quite well. However, there may be some indicators of a problem, including discomfort or changes in breast contour. If the integrity of a silicone implant is in question, breast imaging tests offer an answer.
Breast augmentation patients who get silicone implants are often advised to get regular MRIs to screen for any potential problems. Unfortunately, these scans are rarely covered by insurance, meaning they can come at a high out-of-pocket cost that some people are unable to afford. High-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, can be a more accessible and convenient way to evaluate an implant’s shell.
Contact Burgess Plastic Surgery Today
We are proud to offer complimentary ultrasound imaging to our breast augmentation patients who have any concerns about the integrity of their implants. We hope that this service will give you peace of mind following your breast enhancement procedure at Burgess Plastic Surgery.
Whether you’re a previous patient seeking imaging tests or you’re interested in booking a breast procedure with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Elisa Burgess, the next step is scheduling a consultation. Call 503-699-6464 to plan your visit to our modern office in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
