New Screening Test To Detect Silicone Implant Leak

Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Plastic Surgery Science Comments (0)

Currently, magnetic resonance imaging or MRI is the most commonly used technology to detect “silent leak” in silicone breast implants.  However, one study has suggested that high-resolution ultrasound may provide a more accurate result particularly when screening fourth- and fifth-generation implants.

The new technology for detecting silent leak is a hand-held, portable device which can be used by plastic surgeons.

The study’s lead author Bradley Bengston believes the high-resolution device has “matched the capabilities of MRI in detecting implant failure.”

In addition, the researchers believe the ultrasound device has several benefits over MRI screening in terms of convenience, availability, and cost.

The study involved 29 silicone breast implants in 15 patients who had breast augmentation revision.  According to the findings, the technology has accurately revealed the implant shell integrity and has been consistent with MRI and surgical findings.

Aside from implant evaluations, the researchers believe the high-resolution ultrasound device is also applicable in general breast evaluations, vein surgery, facial fracture treatment, and identification and management of seroma.

Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration recommends women with silicone breast implants to undergo MRI screening every two years.  However, many plastic surgeons suggest that the test should only be given to women with symptoms of implant rupture and patients who request it themselves.

Another reason why many plastic surgeons only recommend MRI screening to women with symptoms is the expensive fee.  To date, its average cost is between $2,000 and $3,000 (most insurance companies do not provide coverage for those who had cosmetic breast augmentation).

There is also a concern of false positive, which in turn can lead to unnecessary breast augmentation revisions.  Patients should remember that secondary breast surgery is more expensive and “surgically challenging” on the part of plastic surgeons.

Because of the hassle of MRI and other breast screening, some doctors may recommend saline breast implants over silicone version.

In case of rupture, saline implants will immediately have visible manifestations (the affected breast will be smaller than the other), allowing patients to seek revision breast augmentation right away.  By contrast, silicone implants can have a “silent leak” that may go undetected for years because of the silicone gel’s cohesiveness that simulate the breast tissue and fat.

However, saline implants still have their own downside.  For women with little breast tissue and fat, these are not a good option for them because their breasts will appear unusually round and the implant shell can be almost felt on the sides of their bosoms.

Cosmetic Surgery Blogger @ February 21, 2012