Should I have an ultrasound before implant removal?

Ultrasound will tell if the implant is ruptured, which will be useful information because it will be covered by warranty if so. You will probably have a capsulectomy if you have capsular contracture, and you surgeon will determine if there is anything of concern.

chelem2,

I would follow the recommendations based upon your mammogram findings. If this was normal and no further imaging was currently recommended, an ultrasound specifically looking at breast tissue may not be needed.

An ultrasound to evaluate the implant for rupture, presence of seroma or capsular thickening can be performed by your plastic surgeon. This would not diagnose cancer but could help with the decision making process moving forward.

Dr. Eric J. Wright

Hello @chelem2, thank you for your question. Yes, It is crucial to use diagnostic tools before undergoing a surgical process, as this will allow a more accurate surgical plan and results with less trauma and the best results. For more information and recommendations, it is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Dear chelem2,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with this. It’s always a good idea to be thorough and proactive in situations like this. Given the changes you're experiencing with your implants, it might be a good idea to get an ultrasound before your implant removal. An ultrasound can provide more clarity about what’s going on inside, especially in terms of assessing the capsule formation and checking for anything unusual, such as signs of a condition like Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which, while rare, can be related to implants. Since you’ve mentioned painful capsulation and noticed changes after your illness, an ultrasound can offer peace of mind and ensure everything is checked before removal.
It's good that you’re already having the removal scheduled, but talking with your surgeon about this concern and requesting an ultrasound might help you feel more confident about the process. Peaceful and thorough care is always the best approach.

I would suggest trying Accolate, 20 mg two daily, with external ultrasound treatments to see if this capsule can be treated since it is fairly new. Your capsule probably developed because of your infection.

I do not think you need any pre-op imaging, especially if you had a mammogram or any other breast imaging recently. If there is any concern for BIA-ALCL your surgeon should send intra-op specimens to be tested.

I encourage you to discuss your situation with your surgeon to determine if an ultrasound or mammogram is recommended prior to removal. Be sure to discuss your symptoms as well as any recent mammograms or testing that you have completed.

You should address this concern with your surgeon prior to the removal. He or she will have a bettter understanding of your history.