The Complete Border Sign Of Breast Augmentation

Abstract

To the Editor.— Breast augmentation with silicone implants may be diagnosed on posterior-anterior (PA) roentgenograms of the chest by observing that the breast shadow is sharply defined in its entire circumference—the complete border sign. On a PA roentgenogram of the chest, the normal female breast is an excellent example of the incomplete border sign. 1 The inferior margin of the breast is sharply defined while the superior portion blends imperceptibly with the chest wall and lacks a definitive border (Fig 1). Silicone implants have a slightly greater density than normal breast tissue. Women who have a silicone breast augmentation usually have enough added density in the superior portion of the breast to form a distinct superior margin on PA roentgenograms of the chest. When this occurs, the breast shadow is seen with a complete border both inferiorly and superiorly—the complete border sign (Fig 2).