Detecting silicone breast implant leakage

With the approval of silicone breast implants by the FDA, new recommendations are in effect for detection of implant leakage. The FDA wants women with these implants to get MRI's every 2 years. One criticism of this suggestion is that the cost of an MRI is very expensive.

"In an attempt to address the shortcomings of current tests, researchers at The University of British Columbia have designed a rapid method to detect leakage events. A stable synthetic tracer molecule added to silicone breast implant filler is detected in a patient’s hair, blood or urine, following leakage or rupture. This non-invasive test is sensitive, inexpensive, accessible, and decreases health risks associated with silicone breast implants. "

This is a clever solution to the silicone problem. We'll see if it comes to fruition in the coming years.

Comments

[Carolyn Wolf]

A test already exists to show presence of the heavy metal, Platinum in urine, hair or nails. Five years after my ruptured implants were removed, my Platinum level was shown to be 39 times normal (as established by CDC and OSHA.) A blood test does not show the presence. If truth is told about the results, perhaps there would be less damage to organs and joints, caused by the leakage of the heavy metal, solvents, and other chemicals present in the implants..

[Matt]

I'm not a doctor, but this sounds like a pretty good idea to me. I work with a plastic surgeon who performs breast enhancement on Long Island, and he's actually participating in the study of the "form stable" silicone implants, which are called "gummy bears" in the popular media. From what I understand, the expected benefit of this implant type is no migration of silicone in the event of rupture. I'm for anything to make implants safer and more durable, and mabye and combination of technologies/tests is needed.