It’s pretty common knowledge that breast implants are not lifetime devices, but beyond their 10 to 15-year lifespan, how do you know if they are still intact or if they are potentially causing problems? The best way to determine this is through ultrasound assessment of the implants—which is precisely what Dr. Strawn and the team at Scultura Plastic Surgery do. This blog discusses the benefits of determining implant integrity and what to do when you find out.
4 Min Read:
What Is Implant Integrity?
At your initial breast augmentation consultation, your surgeon likely told you that your implants are not lifetime devices and that you’ll likely need to replace or remove them around the 10-year mark. That’s because as soon as they are placed in the body, they begin to slowly break down. Silicone and saline implants are both composed of outer silicone shells, which slowly erode as the implants age.
Over time, implant shell surface fatigue generates debris, altering the implant’s properties, while its degradation products provoke an immune response. Both saline and silicone implants release this “implant debris,” resulting in significant pro-inflammatory effects.
Some factors that contribute to the rate of implant breakdown include:
- Age of the Implant: The older the implant, the more likely it is to rupture.
- Type of Implant: Silicone and saline implants both degrade but have different rates of rupture, and silicone implants have additional gel bleed.
- Manufacturer: As with any product, different brands and models vary in durability based on design, materials, and quality.
- Surgical and Mechanical Factors: The technique that was used to place your implants can affect their longevity, as trauma during placement, improper handling, or external pressure can contribute to rupture risks.
- Capsular Contracture: The most common side effect of breast augmentation certainly can affect the rate of rupture, as excessive pressure from the capsule can lead to failure.
Can You Tell If Your Implant Has Ruptured?
One of the main benefits of saline implants is that, yes, you can usually tell when they have a rupture, as the saline leaks rapidly, and the affected breast will look noticeably deflated. From a fill standpoint, saline implants are considered a safer option than silicone because the saline solution is harmlessly absorbed by the body upon rupture.
The saline implant rupture rate is typically 1–5% per year, with most failures occurring within 10–15 years.
Silicone implants are a different story. Silicone implants reflect a 10-year rupture rate of 10–20%, but a “rupture” isn’t as clearly defined as it is for saline implants. Silicone can bleed through the shell with age, and implants may become yellow, oxidized, or compromised without being technically ruptured.
How Ultrasound Assessments Give You Peace of Mind
At Scultura Plastic Surgery, we understand the importance of knowing what’s happening with your own body. That’s why we offer ultrasound assessments during all new explant consultations so you can get an answer as soon as possible. When you choose to have your breast implants removed, it’s usually due to complications, discomfort, or you simply don’t want them anymore. In any case, we have developed a protocol to give patients the best idea of what’s going on “under the hood,” so to speak.
In addition to viewing the implant via ultrasound prior to surgery, we also dissect the implants after they have been removed to cross-analyze the findings. Some possible observations include the following:
- Clean, double-line shells mean the implant is intact. These appear white on ultrasound.
- Altered double-line shells on ultrasound usually mean the implants are changed or aged upon removal and can be yellowed or have a slippery surface, which suggests the shell has been compromised but is not fully ruptured.
- Disconnected double-line shells on ultrasound are indicative of ruptures where the implant has clearly failed. In surgery, the implants can be a sticky mess once separated from the capsule.
The Importance of Knowing Your Implant’s Condition
If you are experiencing breast implant-related complications or illnesses, experience frequent pain or discomfort around your breasts, or suspect your implants have ruptured, the ultrasound assessment can give you instant clarity and help you make an informed decision about potentially undergoing explant surgery or Dr. Strawn’s signature total correction explant procedure.
Interested in Explant Surgery in Newport Beach, CA?
We believe in empowering our patients through education, support, and excellent care. Call Scultura Plastic Surgery today at (949) 612-7231 to schedule an ultrasound assessment and consultation with Dr. Strawn.
