MRI Breast Implants
Concerns about your breast implants? Have them checked with an MRI scan.
Recently, it has been in the news: leaking or ruptured breast implants and the health complaints that may be associated with them. This causes concern and questions for many women such as:
- "Are my breast implants still safe?"
- "Should I have my implants checked?"
This is an understandable concern. Implants can wear out, rupture, or leak over time, sometimes without you noticing. You may experience symptoms, but even without symptoms, it can be reassuring to have certainty.
An MRI of your breast implants is a medical imaging test that specifically examines the condition of your breast prostheses. An MRI scan provides a clear image to determine if there is a tear, leakage, or wear of an implant.
Note: During the examination of your breast implants, only the implants are examined, not the glandular tissue of the breasts. This means that a possible tumor or other abnormalities in the breast tissue are not excluded by this examination.
If you also want a check of the breast tissue, you can choose a combined examination with a breast MRI. Additional costs apply for this.
Request an MRI for breast implants
Request an MRI for implants & breasts
What?
- Check for leakage or ruptures of implants
- Reassurance, even without symptoms
- Early detection prevents further complications such as inflammatory reactions or capsular contracture around the implant
- No referral necessary
- Safe & painless
When?
- If you have doubts about the condition of your breast implants.
- If your implants were placed 5 years ago or longer. After this check, it is recommended to have a check every 3 years.1
- If you want periodic checks, even without symptoms.
- If you want certainty, for example after media reports about leaking implants.
Note: If you notice a lump, retracted nipple, orange peel skin, discharge, or pain, always contact your (general) practitioner first. They can assess whether further investigation is necessary and may refer you accordingly.
1. Scientific article about long-term monitoring with MRI in patients with breast implants.
How to request an MRI for breast implants at MRI Centrum?
If an abnormality in your breast implant is detected, we advise you to consult a (general) practitioner to discuss the medical next steps. MRI Centrum does not provide advice on follow-up treatment.
NOTE: The result only concerns abnormalities of the breast implants. The glandular breast tissue is not examined during the scan. You can opt for an additional examination that also investigates the breast glandular tissue. This is a combined examination of both the breasts and breast implants. Additional costs apply for this.
For an MRI scan of your breast implants on your own request, it is important that you do not have symptoms such as a lump, retracted nipple, orange peel skin, nipple discharge, pain, or hardening of the breasts. If you notice or suspect an abnormality in your breasts, we recommend you first contact your (general) practitioner. They can jointly determine what next steps are necessary.
Request an MRI for breast implants
Request an MRI for implants & breasts
How does an MRI for breast implants work?
Comfortable examination
You lie on your stomach. The MRI takes about 30 minutes on average. It is important to stay still during the examination for optimal image quality.
Your breasts hang freely in a special breast coil. You can compare this to a type of cushion with two openings for your breasts.
What is examined?
The MRI specifically focuses on the breast implants. If you also want the health of your breasts examined alongside the prostheses, an additional examination is required; we offer this as a combined exam.
Breast MRI at MRI Centrum?
- Appointment within 3 working days
- Results after the examination, within 1 week
- Reliable medical evaluation
- Patient-friendly MRI
- Experienced experts
- Flexible opening hours, including evenings and weekends
More about preparation and procedure can be found on our page MRI scan.
Request an MRI for breast implants
Request an MRI for implants & breasts
Costs MRI Breasts
- MRI breast implants (implants only): €265,-*
- MRI breast implants + MRI breasts (combined exam): €550,-*
*An examination without a referral from a (general) practitioner must be paid by yourself and cannot be claimed through your health insurer.
If you do have a referral from your general practitioner, MRI Centrum has agreements with health insurers and the MRI examination is often reimbursed.
FAQ
No, the examination is completely painless. You lie on your stomach with your breasts in a comfortable breast coil.
The MRI for breast implants specifically checks the implants. If you also want to check the health of your breast tissue, choose a combined examination.
The advice is to have a first check 5 to 10 years after placement. After that, periodic checks may be advised depending on your situation or your doctor's advice.
You can also come to us without a referral. Especially if you have an increased risk of breast cancer, are worried, or have dense breast tissue, an MRI exam can provide clarity. Without a referral, the cost is not reimbursed by your health insurer and you will pay for the exam yourself.
No, during the MRI of the breast implant no contrast agent is administered. However, if you opt for an additional MRI of the breast, contrast agent will be used.