# Breast Implant

- Link: https://sifsof.com/clinical-apps/breast-implant/
- Published: 2019-08-30T13:02:28+00:00
- Author: Monica

The number of women undergoing **breast implant** procedures is increasing rapidly.
Especially, correction of congenital malformations,  reconstruction after mastectomy
and cosmetic augmentation.  

It is, therefore, imperative for the [plastic surgeon](https://sifsof.com/product-category/doctor-specialties/plastic-surgeon/)
to possess the right tools to evaluate implant integrity, detect abnormalities of
the implant and its surrounding capsule, and to detect breast conditions unrelated
to implants.

 The use of a[ linear ultrasound scanner](https://sifsof.com/product/wireless-linear-probe-portable-ultrasound-scanner-sifultras-5-31/)
allows the practitioner to surpass challenges such as  the identification of the
type of the implant, diagnosis of implant-related **complications**, as well as 
the diagnosis and follow-up of additional** breast lesions **such as cancer.

With the help of an **ultrasound device **with high frequency from 7 to 10 MHz, 
the surgeon can make his evaluation of breast implants, including assessing the 
morphology, contour, content, and peri-implant tissues and axillae.

The transverse to longitudinal ratio of the implant is calculated; the smooth undulations
of the envelope (radial folds), the homogeneity of the implant lumen and signs of
free silicone or silicone granulomas in the axillae or breast tissue are all checked.

 The implant shell may be seen as a single echogenic line or parallel echogenic 
lines. The fibrous capsule is visualized as two parallel echogenic lines superficial
to the implant surface. Normal undulations of the envelope may be seen as wavy echogenic
lines with or without minimal intervening fluid.

Ultrasound is also needed for post-surgical complications, which can be an infection
and [hematoma](https://sifsof.com/clinical-apps/seromas-and-hermatomas/), capsular
contracture, implant rupture and gel bleed. 

Ultrasound (USG) may reveal an [abscess](https://sifsof.com/clinical-apps/abscesses/)
visualized as irregular hypoechoic fluid collection with internal debris. USG can
also be used to demonstrate the hematoma.

Further, ultrasound detects silicone implant rupture with a sensitivity and the 
most reliable sign of intracapsular rupture is the visualization of multiple linear
or curvilinear lines traversing through the interior of the implant at various levels,
termed the “stepladder”.

![](https://sifsof.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/breast-implant-usg.png)

Breast implant assessment is typically done by a plastic surgeon or a [radiologist](https://sifsof.com/product-category/doctor-specialties/radiologist/).

Reference: [Imaging of common breast implants and implant-related complications: A pictorial essay](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4931781/).

 * ![USB Linear 5-12MHz Ultrasound Scanner SIFULTRAS-9.53 main](https://sifsof.com/
   wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SIFULTRAS-9.53-300x300.jpg)
 * USB Linear 5-12MHz Ultrasound Scanner SIFULTRAS-9.53
 * ![PW Doppler Wireless Ultrasound Scanner 7.5-10 MHz Super Width Linear Probe 
   SIFULTRAS-5.39 main pic](https://sifsof.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/SIFULTRAS-
   5.39-super-width-linear-probe-300x300.jpg)
 * PW Doppler Wireless Ultrasound Scanner 7.5-10 MHz Super Width Linear Probe SIFULTRAS-
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 * ![Wireless Linear Probe Ultrasound Scanner 7.5Mhz SIFULTRAS-5.31 main pic](https://
   sifsof.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/SIFULTRAS-5.31-Linear-Wireless-Ultrasound-
   Scanner-128E-300x300.jpg)
 * Wireless Linear Probe Ultrasound Scanner 7.5Mhz SIFULTRAS-5.31

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_Disclaimer: Although the information we provide is used by different doctors and
medical staff to perform their procedures and clinical applications, the information
contained in this article is for consideration only. SIFSOF is not responsible neither
for the misuse of the device nor for the wrong or random generalizability of the
device in all clinical applications or procedures mentioned in our articles. Users
must have the proper training and skills to perform the procedure with each ultrasound
scanner device._

_The products mentioned in this article are only for sale to medical staff (doctors,
nurses, certified practitioners, etc.) or to private users assisted by or under 
the supervision of a medical professional.  _