Implant ruptures after augmentation mammoplasty.

UNLABELLED: This article discusses eleven cases of implant ruptures in nine patients that occurred 3-10 years after primary surgery. The implant ruptures were diagnosed by visual inspection, palpation, ultrasound and MRI of the breast. We describe rupture symptoms and treatment tactics depending on the characteristics of the rupture, the nature of the filler (liquid silicone, soft cohesive gel (Soft Touch™) or high cohesive silicone gel), the current condition of the soft tissues and presence of any complications. We present recommendations allowing early detection of an asymptomatic rupture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .