Why should I get my breast implants checked?

Why should I get my breast implants checked?

Silicone implants used for breast augmentation (“boob job”) or breast reconstruction are medical devices that, like all devices, are subject to wear and tear. With time, thinning of the implant shell can occur, which leads to weakening of the implant and rupture. Most implant ruptures are asymptomatic (silent ruptures), confined to the implant capsule and can only be detected on imaging. Less commonly, breast implant ruptures may lead to the development of implant hardening/tightening (capsular contracture) or swelling of the breast.

If you have any concerns about your implants, assessment by an expert surgeon and implant imaging are important to identify whether your implants are intact. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend radiological surveillance for all implants that have been in place for more than 2 years and this is considered best practice within the field. At Implant Health we believe that implant screening by an expert team of clinicians can reassure you that your implants are healthy and, if not, guide you to expert surgeons who can help treat the problem.

Worried about your breast implants?

If you’re worried about your implants, we can help.

The benefits of breast implant checks include the early detection of implant-related problems and the ability to monitor how your breast and implant change over time.

How to tell if your implant is ruptured

How to tell if your implant is ruptured

A common worry for women who have breast implants is whether the breast implant is ruptured or not.  This can become a source of worry particularly when the implants have been in place for a long time or after an injury to the breast.  Clinical examination alone is not very good at diagnosing a breast implant rupture, particularly if it is a ‘silent’ rupture. This means that there are no outward signs that the implant is ruptured. Some ruptures can extend beyond the implant capsule (extracapsular ruptures) and can cause an inflammatory response resulting in swelling, or hardening, of the breast. This can be associated with enlarged lymph glands under the arm because of silicone migration. At Implant Health our diagnostic packages combine expert clinical and radiological assessment to give you a rapid answer on the health of your implants and peace of mind.

Worried about your breast implants?

If you’re worried about your implants, we can help.

The benefits of breast implant checks include the early detection of implant-related problems and the ability to monitor how your breast and implant change over time.

What is capsular contracture?

In some women, this capsule begins to tighten and squeeze the breast implant, which is known as capsular contracture.  In most cases, capsular contracture is completely asymptomatic.  In some women, it can change the shape of the breast and symptoms of tightness and pain.