What are the risks of silicone implant rupture?
Unlike saline implant rupture, in which the deflation of the breast is obvious to the patient, silicone breast implant rupture is undetectable to the patient or the physician. For this reason, women who have silicone implants must receive an MRI three years after surgery and every subsequent two years. If an MRI detects a rupture, it is recommended that the implant be removed along with all leaked silicone gel, as there is concern that gel could migrate in the body and cause localized inflammation. In clinical trials, Mentor reported that over three years, 0.5 percent of silicone gel implants ruptured. Allergan reported that over four years, 2.7 percent of implants ruptured, with no gel migration outside of the breast.
