Ultrasound Checkup

Stay Informed. Stay Safe. Stay Compliant.

As many patients are aware, the FDA has been closely monitoring breast implants in recent months to ensure their safety and efficacy for breast augmentation and reconstruction. Although the vast majority of these devices are very safe and result in no complications, occasionally, there are concerns brought to me by patients. To assist you in feeling more informed, and secure in with your implant choice, I will now be offering Breast Implant Ultrasound Checkups. This will help to inform you with breast implants while staying compliant with the FDA’s NEW breast implant surveillance recommendations.

Participating in clinical research has been a passion during my training as a Plastic Surgeon and General Surgeon at the Mayo Clinic. This passion continued when I delved into private practice. As a co-investigator for the 4th and 5th generation gel implants, I have been able to review what I was doing with the various implants of the day beginning in 1998. Since then I have been reviewing, publishing, and making industry contacts with the goal of bringing our patients best-in-class care for cosmetic breast implant procedures here in Charlotte, North Carolina.

After more than 20 years in practice, I have placed thousands of 5th generation gummy bear implants. We are now seeing a change in the surveillance of those implants. As I was in direct contact with those at the FDA hearing this past March, the recommendation for breast implant surveillance has now changed. Previously, they recommended an MRI 3 years post-operation. Currently, they are recommending an Ultrasound examination 5 years post-operation.

Ultrasound is easy to administer, less expensive, and commonplace in most specialties; however, it is not yet common in plastic surgery. Capizzi MD Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Care is proud to provide these exams for those concerned with the status of their implants. We are the first in the Charlotte area to offer this service to our patients.

I will examine our patients myself and look forward to advancing the safety and science for my patients. If you are concerned about your implants, please contact my office for a consultation which can include an ultrasound examination.

have a question?

Breast Ultrasound FAQ’s

What can an ultrasound tell me about my breast implants?

An implant ultrasound is used to maintain recommended surveillance on breast implants, confirm whether implants are saline or silicone, evaluate concerns like a lump/seroma, and help determine whether additional testing is needed. It can also show whether an implant may be ruptured and needs replacement.

When does the FDA recommend starting implant ultrasound surveillance, and how often should it be repeated?

The FDA recommends the first ultrasound at 5-6 years after placement, then every 2-3 years after that. This can easily be done when receiving mammograms, and all Capizzi MD surgery patients receive their first ultrasound as part of their surgical package.

Can an ultrasound detect a silicone implant rupture?

Yes—an imaging test such as ultrasound can show whether a silicone implant has ruptured. The page also explains “silent ruptures” may have no symptoms, and your surgeon can review treatment options.

How does a breast implant ultrasound work, and does it use radiation?

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of breast tissues and structures and does not use ionizing radiation, unlike CT scans or X-rays.

Who can schedule an ultrasound checkup at Capizzi MD, and why is it offered?

Capizzi MD offers these non-invasive checkups in alignment with updated FDA surveillance recommendations to help detect potential complications (like rupture or capsular contracture) and support long-term implant health—all people with breast implants are welcome to schedule this service, whether or not you received your breast implants at our practice.

Breast Augmentation FAQ

Breast augmentation clients often have many questions when they begin their cosmetic journey. It’s normal to get excited and want to know everything you can about the process. For your convenience, we have collected the most common inquiries below for you to read and review. Although very helpful, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to fully address all your concerns. Visit our Breast Augmentation FAQ page to learn more.

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