Ask a Surgeon - Breast Augmentation - I had breast augmentation 24 years ago with silicone implants with no problems...

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I had breast augmentation 24 years ago with silicone implants with no problems until...

Q:

I had breast augmentation 24 years ago with silicone implants with no problems until recently. A few weeks ago I noticed a small lump in one of my breasts. A mammogram and ultra-sound were ordered and the findings showed I have a rupture in the implant and the leakage created the small lump. The radiologist advised I should have the implants replaced or removed to avoid any further complications. Which should I have done? I have had implants for 24 years and after that long, I am not sure if the removal alone will appear aesthetically satisfactory after the procedure. Additionally, in the results of the mammogram and ultra-sound, they found I have breast calcifications in both breasts. Are the calcifications related to the implants?

A:

I believe most doctors would agree that whenever an implanted device breaks it should be replaced. The short answer is that the implants, the silicone, and any silicone lumps should be removed. During a consultation with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, the two of you should decide based on your expectations, family history of breast cancer, and your recent mammogram findings whether replacing the implants and with what material, saline or silicone, makes the most sense. The calcifications should have been identified as benign appearing or suspicious, and their location should have been described. You can ask the mammographer-radiologist and your Plastic Surgeon based on the mammogram report whether your calcifications are from the implants.