Screening MRI after bilateral mastectomy with implants?

I was told by my PS that every two years either MRI or ultrasound needs to be done to check for rupture. That's not the same as MRI for recurrence. I don't know what the screening is post BMX.

I have an MRI every 2 years to check for ruptures. I have the literature from the manufacturer that was given to me by my plastic surgeon. The manufacturer recommends MRI every 2 years, so my insurance pays for it.

Thank You, Rambros for starting this thread. It's exactly what I have been looking for. My implants are more than seven years old and I have never had a follow up MRI. Recently my right armpit has had an almost constant ache. I cannot feel any lumps, there is no redness or skin abnormalities. The breast itself looks the same as it has since a few months after surgery in 2010 Unfortunately my wonderful BS is retired now and my PS has moved out of state. I am not happy with the Breast Dr's in my area. I see my PCP on Monday for my regular check up. I think it's time to get this checked out. I believe he will order anything I need, but BC/BS insurance can be a pain in the butt to approve it.

Anyone know if Medicare covers it? Did not know MRI is recommended for check for ruptures. I'm not 2 years out from implants yet but good to know these things.

I was told that the type of MRI that MIGHT (and might not) be approved to check for implant leaking/rupture is without contrast, and therefore would be useless to pick up recurrence. Is that true?

Candles - sorry I don't know. My MRIs were all both with & without at the same time. Once you're there and in the machine, a few more pictures w/contrast don't seem like such a stretch.

Kae - I don't know the answer about ULS either. My guess would be that the implants might block the view. Hopefully someone who has more knowledge will check in soon.

My PCP ordered an ultrasound of my right Breast and armpit. We talked about an MRI to check for rupture/leakage. He said that if I really wanted it, he would be happy to order it. But that he doesn't feel it is necessary. He explained that unless I had an obvious breast malformation (I don't) that a small leak would not be harmful. And further surgery to remove and/or exchange the implant would cause more scar tissue and the possibility of having an undesirable outcome would be very real. So I will stay with his advise unless things change.

NavyMom- My ps sounds like yours. He doesn't want to mess with things unless it looks necessary. Seems everytime someone touches me I get infected so I'm with you. No need unless something looks or feels suspicious.

Axillary U/S done today. Results already posted in my patient portal. States that there is a 1 cm lymph node that looks benign. BIRADS 2.

Should not be of concern. I think I will request a f/u US sometime in the next 3 or 4 months just to make sure it hasn't changed. That sounds reasonable, yes?

Thanks, MT. My PCP has agreed to my request for a follow up ultrasound. Already scheduled for October. So I'm just gonna forget about it until then.

Happy July 4th to all.

That's good news NavyMom, congrats!