Silicone Breast Implants and MRIs

After decades of study, there has been no link made between silicone breast implants and an increased risk of breast cancer or diseases of the connective tissues. Though they are considered safe, and have been approved by the FDA, silicone breast implants should be removed if the implant shell become damaged, resulting in leaks.

Statistics indicate that the longer a woman has breast implants, the more likely she is so need to have them replaced or removed. As such, patients should not assume that breast augmentation is a one-time procedure; it usually is not. Implants are not considered lifetime devices; manufacturers estimate their products will last about 10 years. Once an implant ruptures or leaks, it should be replaced.

With saline implants, it is easy to detect leaks. The saline solution quickly drains out of the implant shell, and is safely absorbed by the body. Silicone implants, on the other hand, consist of a thicker, gel-like material. This material is specially designed to stay in place and hold together in the event of the implant rupture. The design makes silicone implants safe for placement. The downside is that it makes it much more difficult for women to tell when their implant has ruptured.

Many women experience no symptoms when a silicone implant rupture. However, women may notice pain, swelling, a change in shape or size, lumps, softening, or hardening in one or both of their breasts. In these cases, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Screening for a Rupture

The most efficient way to screen for silicone implant problems is through an MRI (Magnetic Resource Imaging). The FDA, which monitors silicone breast implants, recommends that an MRI be performed three years after the implants are initially placed, and once every two years after that. MRIs are recommended because they screen for ruptures.

MRIs are generally considered safer than a CT scan because it does not use ionized radiation to project images within the body.

The Day of the MRI

On the day of the MRI, patients should eat and drink normally, and take any medications they are prescribed to take. They should also take care to be as relaxed as possible. Other recommendations for an MRI include:

• All metal jewelry, under wire bras, dentures, and hairpins must be removed beforehand, and the radiographer must be informed of any metal implants within the body, such as a pacemaker or a replaced joint. Metals interfere with the magnetism upon which the scan operates. 
• An MRI contrasting agent may be injected intravenously so that objects of interest, (scar tissues, masses, etc.) come out clearer in the scan.
• Patients are instructed to stay still so that the pictures do not come out blurry. If they do, the scan may need to be repeated.
• There is a mirror inside the machine so that the patient can see the operator on the outside.
• People who have issues with claustrophobia should be warned that the cylinder where the scan is performed is narrow.
• The machine makes very loud, distinct noises like a jackhammer. Patients who go in for an exam areallowed to have headphones in their ears to listen to music. Calming music is suggested. Patients are also sometimes given a button to alert the medical staff if they have any pressing concerns while inside the cylinder and will be able to consistently communicate with the staff verbally through the duration of the scan. Scans take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

For more information about silicone breast implants, contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery.