Breast augmentation - MRIs and check-ups needed?

Great question – Breast implant imaging recommendations depend on the type of implant you have and whether you are having symptoms.
For asymptomatic women with silicone implants, the FDA recommends the following:*First screening MRI or high resolution ultrasound 5 years after surgery.*Every 2 to 3 years thereafter to monitor for silent rupture (a rupture that does not cause obvious symptoms).
These guidelines apply specifically to silicone gel implants because saline implants will deflate when ruptured, often making detection by physical exam much easier and imaging less necessary for routine monitoring.
If you are experiencing breast changes, discomfort, firmness, or swelling, imaging may be recommended sooner regardless of the implant type. An MRI is considered the most sensitive method for evaluating silicone implant integrity, though high-resolution ultrasound is emerging as a more accessible and cost-effective option in many practices.
It is also worth noting that routine mammograms are still recommended based on age and risk factors, even for patients with implants- though you should be sure to inform the radiologist so that they can use proper implant displacement techniques to best examine your breast tissue and protect your implant.
Most importantly, always check with your board-certified plastic surgeon or healthcare provider for individualized recommendations based on your implant site and personal health history.
Dr. Brandon LambirisBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon–Sarasota, FL

MRI is the most sensitive study for detection of implant rupture.

Manufacturers recommendation for surveillance:
-5 years post augmentation
-Every 3 years moving forward.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

We do not recommend mammograms after breast augmentation surgery. However, you can continue your regular yearly breast ultrasound exams. Extra tests or scans are not necessary unless your surgeon recommends them.

The current recommendations from the FDA as well as the American Society Of Plastic Surgeons, recommends a ultrasound or MRI five or six years after your augmentation and then every two or three years after that to check for the integrity of your implants. These are recommendations and some patients choose to follow them, and other patients choose to not follow them. Self examinations are encouraged to monitor for any changes which may indicate the need for an US or MRI.

Thanks for your question!
Your surgeon will let you know his/her protocol for follow up visits and when a MRI is needed. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for your options. Best wishes!

Dear Forceful237764,

you can get a yearly ultrasound but there is no need for a yearly MRI follow-up. If you are concerned, you can discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

An MRI is the definitive test to determine if the implant is ruptured and is recommended every several years after surgery by the implant companies and the FDA. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

After your breast augmentation procedure, follow-up recommendations vary depending on the type of implant you have. For silicone implants, the U.S. FDA advises having your first MRI or high-resolution ultrasound around 5–6 years after surgery, followed by imaging every 2–3 years to check for “silent ruptures,” which can occur without noticeable symptoms. For saline implants, routine imaging generally isn’t necessary, since a rupture is usually obvious when the implant deflates, but regular clinical checkups are still important. Regardless of implant type, it’s best to see your plastic surgeon for all scheduled follow up appointments and at least once a year thereafter for an exam, to discuss any changes in your breasts, and address any concerns promptly to ensure the best long-term results.

After your first annual follow up there is no specific need for you to do anything further or have testing unless you are having an issue. Some surgeons like to see their patients annually for a follow up just to make there are no new questions or concerns, while others don't feel it's necessary. Your surgeon will advise what is recommended for you.

Yearly MRI's are not recommended by the FDA and will be expensive. What is recommended is a yearly visit with your plastic surgeon. In the first 10 years, an ultrasound or mammogram should be done every 3 years. From years 10-20, this should be done every other year. Once your implants are 20 years old, then a yearly examination with ultrasound or mammography is advised. Ultrasounds give no radiation exposure. Too much radiation can cause breast cancer,