Breast Ultrasound Imaging - Seeing Is Knowing
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Breast Implant Scans With High Resolution Ultrasound Imaging
Why Should I Consider Having Breast Implant Ultrasound Imaging?
Ultrasound is a safe, simple, and efficient screening tool for evaluating your breast implants. It is considered to be non-invasive. Ultrasound imaging does not require exposure to harmful radiation, as x-rays do.
We use a Clarius high-resolution ultrasound system to screen for and detect breast implant abnormalities.
Having an ultrasound screening in the FDA recommended intervals can give you peace of mind and keep you safe. Although current generations of breast implants are very durable and able to withstand tremendous pressures, they may not last an entire lifetime. If you have had implants for more than six years, have experienced recent trauma, or are generally concerned about the status of your breast implants, ultrasound may be used to assess if your breast implants are problem-free or may have a silent rupture. Based on the results of your ultrasound exam, additional testing or surgery may be scheduled.
Dr. O'Brien includes ultrasound follow up of breast implants at no additional charge to all of our breast augmentation patients.
Benefits of High-Resolution Ultrasound vs. MRI
The FDA currently recommends MRI Imaging of silicone breast implants at 5 and 7 years. Research has shown High Resolution Ultrasound is equivalent to MRI in detection of breast implant failures. Below is a comparison of the 2 methodologies.
Ultrasound monitoring of breast implants:
- is performed comfortably
- will detect an implant shell failure
- is at no charge at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery for our current and former patients
- can be performed economically, even for patients who had their implants placed elsewhere
MRI monitoring of breast implants:
- is not always comfortable
- will detect an implant shell failure
- can be expensive with the average cost at a hospital or mammography center being approximately $1,500
Your exam will be performed at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery using a handheld ultrasound device that is connected to a tablet where images can be seen in the moment. Results are usually available to patients almost immediately. In most cases, your surgeon will review them with you and answer any questions you may have.
Cost
St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery offers ultrasound screening to all of our own breast augmentation patients at absolutely no charge. If your implants were placed elsewhere, there is a fee of $150, which includes your consultation with Dr. O'Brien and is far less than what the charge would be for a breast ultrasound study done at a hospital. The benefit, of course, is that our plastic surgeon will likely be readily available to answer any questions or concerns you may have!
Even if your breast augmentation surgery was not performed by Dr. O'Brien, please call us at 727-341-2408 if you have concerns regarding the status of your breast implants.