Implant Monitoring in Tucson, AZ

For years, the FDA has strongly recommended that people who have silicone breast implants be screened five to six years after their initial breast augmentation surgery, followed by two to three-year screenings after, to check for so-called “silent rupture.” And until recently, the best way to do this was with an MRI scan, which can be expensive and intimidating. Fortunately, Tucson Plastic Surgery is equipped with the latest in breast imaging technology, capable of monitoring for breast implant rupture in a simple, short, highly effective way.

Importance of Breast Implant Monitoring

The reason silent rupture is important to detect early is not due to serious health risks, but rather to lessen the chance of negative side effects from occurring, as well as maintaining your aesthetic results. Both saline and silicone breast implants are filled with sterile material, so there’s no risk to the body in either case of leaking. However, a silent rupture in either type of implant can lead to a few additional conditions, including deformation of breast appearance, asymmetry between the breasts, and capsular contracture.

Benefits of High-Resolution Ultrasound

Recent developments in ultrasound technology have allowed an alternative to the slightly more accurate MRI scan with high-resolution ultrasound. Ultrasound technology utilizes devices that emit high-frequency sound waves that bounce off internal tissues and return to the sensor to create a visual of the various types of tissue under the skin. This is done in our office in a quick, 20 to 30-minute appointment that requires no loud, claustrophobic devices, only the ultrasound device, and a laptop.

The benefits extend beyond comfort, as not everyone with breast implants can have MRI scans, such as people with pacemakers or metal implants anywhere in their body. You won’t even need to take off jewelry for this procedure.

Reviews

You could not dream of a better team than Tucson Plastic Surgery. From the minute you walk in the door, every person you encounter is compassionate and welcoming. For going thro...

— CC

You could not dream of a better team than Tucson Plastic Surgery. From the minute you walk in the door, every person you encounter is compassionate and welcoming. For going through such a scary process, they were patient, informative, and made it so much easier to digest. It truly feels like you have a team fighting for your health and advocating for your well being. Both Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir are caring, confident, and masters of their craft. Doctors and nurses alike were there at the drop of a hat for any issues that arose post-op, and were always more than happy to take calls/emails and reassure me. I felt extremely taken care of and cannot recommend them enough. Bonus: their advocacy efforts are commendable and the office is gorgeous! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The office is beautiful and the staff were very welcoming. I felt instantly at ease with Dr. Mahabir. He listened carefully to my concerns and answered all of my questions. My s...

— DP

The office is beautiful and the staff were very welcoming. I felt instantly at ease with Dr. Mahabir. He listened carefully to my concerns and answered all of my questions. My surgery results were better than I would ever expected. I highly recommend Tucson Plastic Surgery.

I cannot say enough about the level of care and concern from the team at this facility. They were all so kind and patient as they helped me achieve the results I wanted post mas...

— JM

I cannot say enough about the level of care and concern from the team at this facility. They were all so kind and patient as they helped me achieve the results I wanted post mastectomy. They made the experience so much less traumatic then I had anticipated. I was stunned at how amazing I looked post surgery. I would HIGHLY recommend both doctors! They are amazing!

I had the pleasure of working with both Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir for my mastectomy to implant reconstruction and revision with fat grafting. I cannot say enough about Dr. Ku...

— KP

I had the pleasure of working with both Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir for my mastectomy to implant reconstruction and revision with fat grafting. I cannot say enough about Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir along with Virgina and the rest of the Tucson Plastic Surgery staff during what was certainly a fast and frightening year of my life. Both surgeons and staff were so positive, reassuring and compassionate from the minute I walked in for my first consultation. Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir put my nerves at ease with their warm care and attention to detail in every aspect of their practice. I was lucky to have both surgeons of this amazing practice be the lead surgeon of my two procedures. I am so thankful to Tucson Plastic Surgery and the work they do. I am extremely happy with the results, and I can safely say with the help, support and guidance of Dr. Kurtovic, Dr Mahabir and Tucson Plastic Surgery, I’m ready for the next year and to be on the other side. I cannot thank you enough for your care and gratitude.

Met with Dr. Mahabir to discuss reconstruction options. Walking into his lobby, my husband and I immediately found comfort as the area is inviting and beautifully designed!! The...

— MR

Met with Dr. Mahabir to discuss reconstruction options. Walking into his lobby, my husband and I immediately found comfort as the area is inviting and beautifully designed!! The rooms are just as beautiful and tranquil. I loved his confidence and his knowledge in breast reconstruction. He gave me my options and we selected 2! Double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (implants), once I finish chemo, we'll go back in for my final surgery (DIEP flap). Dr. Mahabir was professional, kind and compassionate which is what you want from your surgeon! His staff were also very welcoming and kind. I highly recommend Dr. Mahabir for your reconstruction needs!!

What an amazing surgeon and staff. Dr Mahabir and Nicole Baca were awesome!! My experience with a breast reduction/reconstruction due to breast cancer 17 years ago was perfectio...

— KL

What an amazing surgeon and staff. Dr Mahabir and Nicole Baca were awesome!! My experience with a breast reduction/reconstruction due to breast cancer 17 years ago was perfection. I'm so happy with the results and I'm just 6 weeks out. Did a Tummy Tuck for fun and can't wait to see final results in a few months. Fabulous all the way around from scheduling, to surgery to post op visits. Worth the 5 hour round trip drive from N Scottsdale to Tucson. Thank you...happy beyond words!

Both Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic are health care providers who care for patients with dignity, and quality care. My mom was Dr Mahabir's patient, and she was treated with respe...

— AS

Both Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic are health care providers who care for patients with dignity, and quality care. My mom was Dr Mahabir's patient, and she was treated with respect, humility and patience as we were trying to understand reconstructive surgery after my mom's breast cancer diagnosis. I am in deep appreciation for Dr. Mahabir and the care he provided to my mom; he practiced active listening, and treated both of us as human beings (something you rarely see in the health care system; especially, managing a cancer diagnosis). All staff at Tucson Plastic Surgery, since the moment you walk in are attentive to patients' needs. Both my mom and I felt welcomed and in positive spirits as soon we walked into Tucson Plastic Surgery's space. I am specially grateful for Virginia Van, Patient Care Coordinator at Tucson Plastic Surgery for always answering our questions promptly, and making sure we fully understood everything regarding my mom's care pre and post surgery. After the cancer diagnosis, every visit with Dr. Mahabir became a positive experience, and a break from the myriad of testing and doctor visits my mom and I had to attend. Tucson Plastic Surgery created a space for my mom and I to find relief and look forward to a life after cancer. Thank you for all your work!

Highly recommend Dr. Mahabir and his team! He listens well, is excellent at what he does and overall my experience was nothing but positive.

— IH

Highly recommend Dr. Mahabir and his team! He listens well, is excellent at what he does and overall my experience was nothing but positive.

Tucson plastic surgery has been so kind to me. From the ladies at the front desk to the surgeons. I felt extremely comfortable around them all. Very professional.

— TR

Tucson plastic surgery has been so kind to me. From the ladies at the front desk to the surgeons. I felt extremely comfortable around them all. Very professional.

I saw Dr. Mahabir for reconstruction surgery after a double mastectomy. His skills are unsurpassed-- I couldn't be happier. His staff is also fantastic: warm, welcoming, knowled...

— SL

I saw Dr. Mahabir for reconstruction surgery after a double mastectomy. His skills are unsurpassed-- I couldn't be happier. His staff is also fantastic: warm, welcoming, knowledgeable. Ten stars.

Nothing but good things! Dr. Mahabir and his staff have been wonderful throughout my surgeries and recovery. I had a preventative double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction ...

— JC

Nothing but good things! Dr. Mahabir and his staff have been wonderful throughout my surgeries and recovery. I had a preventative double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction in June and just this week had an implant exchange. The pre-care and after care has been nothing short of excellent!

I won’t have enough room to say everything good I have to say. Dr Mahabir changed my life. I have lived with neck and upper back pain for over 20 years. It’s gone no...

— DL

I won’t have enough room to say everything good I have to say. Dr Mahabir changed my life. I have lived with neck and upper back pain for over 20 years. It’s gone now. Gone. Thanks to not taking advil for the pain my GERD is gone now too. As a side benefit one of the supplements I was given for better surgery outcomes has virtually eliminated my post nasal drip due to allergies. There is virtually no scars tissue from the procedure. The only thing left after three months are red lines. Much less than I was told to expect. On my skin these red lines will be gone on less than a year. My only regret is that is did not do this procedure sooner. This office is so professional. Staff answer calls immediately. I never felt like I couldn’t call and get answers to questions or concerns. The recovery was a breeze and I did listen to Dr M when he told me not to over do things because I felt so great. I followed directions with great care and had an incredible outcome. Dr M has a detailed preparation and post op protocol. He really knows what he is doing.

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The Future of Ultrasound with Butterfly iQ+

Tucson Plastic Surgery uses the revolutionary Butterfly iQ+ ultrasound device, a high-resolution transmitter and receiver that has multiple imaging modes to give our plastic surgeons, Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic, a high-quality image of the internal structure of the breast and implant. This state-of-the-art technology allows us to detect breast implant rupture in both saline and silicone implants nearly as well as the preferred MRI technique, with many benefits in a quicker, more comfortable way.

Complimentary Breast Implant Monitoring

If you think at any time that your breast implants may be leaking or ruptured, call us to schedule an appointment right away.

And because rupture doesn’t always produce significant symptoms, it’s also best to schedule regular check-ups with our team every few years after you get your implants initially.

If you’ve had your breast augmentation with implants performed at Tucson Plastic Surgery, any and all of your breast implant check-ups are totally cost-free. However, even if another doctor put your implants in initially, we still offer these services for any breast augmentation patient, although you will have to pay a consultation fee through your insurance provider.

Next Steps After Breast Implant Rupture

If your breast implant, whether saline or silicone, ruptures at any time, it (as well as the other one, even if it’s intact) will need to be removed or replaced. This is done out of an abundance of caution for the risk of side effects such as capsular contracture, as well as for maintaining aesthetic results. We’ll talk with you during your breast implant screening appointment about your options for corrective surgery, which is often partially covered by the extended 20-year warranty provided by our breast implant partner, Sientra. Whether you want them removed or replaced, our board-certified plastic surgeon DR. RAMAN MAHABIR is here to help get the look that best meets your aesthetic goals.

Breast Implant Screening in Tucson, AZ

Whether you’ve had your implants for just a few years or over a decade, they’re always at a small risk of rupturing due to wear and tear or impact. When this happens, it can adversely affect your appearance as well as cause pain and discomfort, which is why regular monitoring is important. To schedule your ultrasound breast implant screening, call our office or CONTACT US ONLINE today.

Implant Monitoring Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current recommendation on breast implant screening?

The current FDA recommendation is that every patient with breast implants should be screened at 5-6 years postoperatively and then every 2-3 years after that.

What should I do if I am experiencing symptoms?

You should talk to your plastic surgeon about your symptoms so they can schedule an MRI (still the gold standard for detecting rupture) or high-resolution ultrasound, which may be more accessible and available.

What are the advantages of ultrasound for breast implant imaging?

Shorter appointment time (typically a 30-minute consult), its a less stressful, quieter procedure, and it’s safe for anyone.

How much does ultrasound for breast implants cost?

When you have your breast implants at Tucson Plastic Surgery, you will have access to ultrasound examinations anytime you want or feel that you might need one. It’s provided to you totally free of charge and is available for life. If you’ve had your breast implant surgery elsewhere with a different surgeon, you can still come to us for this kind of thorough screening. However, in these cases, you will be required to pay a consult fee for cosmetic cases. For insurance cases, it can be billed to your insurance.

What happens if you find a rupture or other issue with a breast implant?

If we discover a rupture, we can talk to you about your options for breast implant revision surgery. And with Sientra’s 20-year warranty, most of the time the surgery is at least partly covered.