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If you have breast implants and you’re booked for a mammogram, you may wonder if the procedure could rupture them.
You’re not alone — this is a common fear. A member of MyBCTeam with a breast implant said, “I’ve had a silicone implant for three years. Booked for my first mammogram, and I’m terrified of what it’ll be like and the chance my implant will rupture during the test.”
The good news is that the risk of rupture is very low, and the procedure is similar to a regular mammogram. Learn more about what happens during a mammogram with breast implants and what to do if you notice a problem afterward.
Yes, a mammogram can rupture a breast implant, but it’s uncommon.
Breast implants have about a 1 percent chance of rupturing each year, no matter what causes the rupture. A mammogram is only one type of pressure that an implant may experience over time. One study found that getting a mammogram, wearing an underwire bra, and using a seat belt are all associated with an increased risk of breast implant rupture.
A breast implant rupture can vary depending on the type of implant you have.
When a saline implant ruptures, you’ll know right away. The saline solution leaks out and absorbs into your body, causing the breasts to visibly deflate within hours or days.
That immediate warning sign is part of why one MyBCTeam member chose saline. “I had a bilateral mastectomy due to the BRCA1 gene. My surgeon mentioned that if a saline implant ruptured, I’d know, and that was a big selling point for me,” they said.
On the other hand, silicone implants often rupture silently. The implant usually stays in place within the scar tissue that’s formed around it.
This means you may not notice a change in shape, size, or feel if your silicone implant ruptures. Detecting a rupture from a silicone implant usually requires an MRI or ultrasound.
Despite this, many people still prefer silicone for its natural appearance and texture. “They feel more natural, like an actual breast,” one member said. “My doctor told me a leak would require an MRI to diagnose. I may have to argue with my insurance about that if it ever happens, but overall, I love the results.”
Newer silicone implants use a thicker, more cohesive gel than older silicone models. These are sometimes called gummy bears because, much like a gummy bear after you bite into it, they hold their shape and don’t fall apart. That added thickness is designed to help the gel stay in place if a rupture does occur, rather than leaking into surrounding tissue.
Getting a mammogram with breast implants requires extra coordination between you, the scheduling team, and the technologist.
When you book your mammogram, tell the clinic that you have breast implants. This lets the facility know ahead of time so they can do the mammogram safely. You can also make sure they have technologists who have experience with implants.
A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to take pictures of the inside of your breasts. During the procedure, your breasts are gently compressed for a few seconds.
Breast implants can block part of the view of your natural breast tissue. For people who have implants, the technologist will use a special technique to compress the breast tissue. They take two additional images of each breast, called implant displacement views.
Here’s how it works:
Each compression lasts only a few seconds. You may feel pressure or tightness, but it shouldn’t cause sharp pain.
Here are actionable tips to help you reduce your chances of rupturing your breast implant during a mammogram.
Yes, if you have breast implants, you should follow the same routine breast cancer screening guidelines as everyone else.
Some people with breast implants may be nervous about getting a mammogram. However, you shouldn’t delay or skip a mammogram. Screening for breast cancer is important, especially if you have risk factors.
The only difference is that your technologist will take extra images and will move your breast in a different way. And remember, the risk of rupture is low.
If you’ve had a mastectomy with implant-based reconstruction, your screening approach may look different. This is because there’s little or no natural breast tissue to image. Your care team can help you figure out the right follow-up plan for your situation.
Mammograms don’t check the health of your implants. Their job is to screen your natural breast tissue for signs of breast cancer. A mammogram isn’t a reliable way to tell if an implant has ruptured or leaked.
Checking your implants themselves takes a different kind of imaging.
Silicone implants can rupture silently, often with no symptoms at all.
Saline implants don’t need this extra imaging because a rupture is usually obvious right away.
If you notice breast pain, swelling, or a change in breast shape after your mammogram, these could be signs of a rupture.
If you think your breast implant has ruptured, call your plastic surgeon. They know your implant history and can guide you through the right next step, whether that’s imaging or an in-office exam. They may order an ultrasound or breast MRI to confirm the rupture.
A ruptured implant usually isn’t a medical emergency, but you should contact your healthcare provider if you think you have one. Left unresolved, a silicone rupture can lead to tissue inflammation over time.
On MyBCTeam, people share their experiences with breast cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Have you had a mammogram with breast implants? Share your experience and any advice in the comments below.
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