Breast implant surgery is the second most common surgery performed in the United States, second only to liposuction. The procedure is generally very safe and has an extremely high rate of satisfaction. Breast implants are medical devices and can fail. If detected early enough, replacing a ruptured breast implant, particularly saline-filled breast implants, is similar to replacing a battery in a battery compartment. If detected late, ruptured silicone implants can cause thickening of scar tissue around the implant, which can lead to breast deformity and pain. Delayed replacement or removal of ruptured breast implants can be more complicated.
Grade I Capsular Contracture
Grade II Capsular Contracture
Grade III Capsular Contracture
Grade IV Capsular Contracture
Monitor Implants
Doctors recommend patients monitor their implants closely for the life of the implant. Surgeons also recommend regular physical exams and self-breast exams in order to notice, diagnose and treat any implant. The FDA recommends an MRI three years after breast implantation and then every two years thereafter to screen for implant rupture.
