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Silicone breast implant rupture: a review
Christopher Hillard1, Jason D Fowler1, Ruth Barta1
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Gland Surgery
|May 13, 2017
Summary
Silicone breast implant rupture rates increase after 6-8 years but pose no health risks. Most ruptures are undetectable, with surgical complications being the primary cause.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Radiology
Background:
- Silicone breast implants have a 6-decade history with design evolution and safety scrutiny.
- A 10-year moratorium highlighted safety concerns, leading to long-term follow-up studies.
- Current implants are monitored via manufacturer Core studies for safety and complication data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent long-term safety and complication data for silicone breast implants.
- To analyze rupture rates, detection methods, and associated health risks.
Main Methods:
- Compilation and review of results from manufacturer-led Core studies.
- Analysis of data on implant rupture detection via physical exam, ultrasound, and MRI.
- Review of literature on health outcomes in patients with ruptured implants.
Main Results:
- Rupture rates are low initially, increasing significantly after 6-8 years.
- Most silicone implant ruptures are clinically undetectable.
- Instrument damage during placement is the most common cause of rupture.
Conclusions:
- Silicone implant rupture, even when clinically undetectable, is not associated with health risks.
- Symptomatic patients with ruptured implants can choose observation or surgical intervention.
- Management options include explantation and capsulectomy, with or without replacement.
