Post Explant surgery- Radiology follow-up recommendations
Breast implant removal surgery, also known as explant surgery, is a procedure to remove breast implants from breast augmentation or breast reconstruction patients.
Monitoring breast health becomes crucial, with radiology playing a pivotal role in this post-surgery period.
Radiology follow-up, involving techniques such as mammography, ultrasound, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), is essential for ensuring the breast tissue’s well-being after implant removal. These diagnostic tools help detect any changes or abnormalities that may occur post-surgery, providing peace of mind and facilitating early intervention if necessary.
This short guide emphasizes the role of mammography, ultrasound, and MRI in post-surgical care. However, some risks from mammograms include false results and exposure to a small dose of ionizing radiation during the procedure. Still, additional exposures can increase cancer risk later in life.
Randall Feingold, MD FACS, co-founder of NYBRA, recommends that screening may begin at age 40 for many women. For women at higher risk, it may start at younger ages.
“I’ve treated patients with gene mutations who have MRIs done in their 20s because of overwhelming family risk, and they’re not looking to have mastectomies or have their ovaries removed quite at that age. But they won’t have radiation from a mammogram at that age.
In that population, there may be more ultrasounds and MRIs. So I would say to any woman who’s concerned about breast health and breast imaging, speak to your gynecologist and breast radiologist and customize those guidelines based upon your age, medical history, family history, and any genetic risk factors”.
Screening after Fat Grafting
“Experienced mammographers, ultrasonographers, and MRI radiologists can detect that the fatty layer of the breast is thicker in women who’ve had fat grafting. They might even see that the fat graft looks different from native breast tissue. We’re not putting the fat graft in the center of the breast; we don’t want to disturb the breast gland. Even if a woman had fat necrosis, an oil cyst, or some calcifications related to fat grafting, which is uncommon in my practice, I’ve seen it over the years. Experienced radiologists know how to identify that, and it has nothing to do with the appearance of a cancer developing in the breast gland. So, fat graft doesn’t cause breast cancer. It doesn’t masquerade as breast cancer in an imaging study,” Says Dr. Randall Feingold, co-founder of NYBRA
Thermography
Some women prefer Heat-detected screening, known as thermography. This noninvasive test doesn’t involve radiation and uses a special camera to measure the skin’s temperature on the breast’s surface. The principle behind thermography is that cancer cells grow and multiply rapidly, increasing blood flow and metabolism in the tumor area, which can raise the skin temperature.
However, the FDA emphasizes that thermography should not be used as a substitute for mammography in breast cancer screening. Mammography remains the most effective primary screening method for detecting breast cancer in its early stages. The concern is that relying solely on thermography might lead to missed opportunities for early detection of breast cancer.
Randall Feingold, MD, says, “The guidelines are distributed in the cancer and radiology communities that relate to a woman’s age and family history.
For those considering breast cancer screening options, it’s crucial to discuss with healthcare professionals what to expect from different screening methods, including mammography, and to follow recommended screening schedules. Always consult your healthcare provider to choose the most appropriate screening methods based on your health profile and risk factors.
Understanding Radiology Follow-Up
Radiology follow-up serves as a cornerstone for maintaining breast health after breast implant removal surgery. It involves a series of imaging tests designed to monitor the condition of the breast tissue and detect any post-surgical changes or anomalies. The first follow-up is typically recommended a few months after surgery, although the exact timing can vary based on individual cases and the surgeon’s advice.
The purpose of these follow-ups is multifaceted: They help identify any immediate complications from the surgery, monitor the healing process, and ensure that no new concerns, such as the development of scar tissue or fluid collection, have arisen. Regular radiological examinations become integral to post-surgery care, providing patients and healthcare providers valuable insights into breast health and facilitating informed decision-making regarding needed medical interventions.
Dr. Randall Feingold, a founding partner of NYBRA Plastic Surgery, has a rich background in both aesthetic surgery and post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. His work encompasses a broad range of procedures aimed at improving patient outcomes after mastectomy, including natural tissue flaps and a variety of implant options. Dr. Feingold’s expertise extends to the management of breast implant-related illnesses, employing techniques such as en bloc total capsulectomies to address issues like ruptured implants, capsular contracture, and symptoms associated with textured implants. His commitment to patient safety and holistic care is evident in his approach to surgery and postoperative care, ensuring that patients are fully informed and supported throughout their journey..
For more comprehensive insights into Dr. Randall Feingold’s practice and approach to breast monitoring after explant or fat grafting surgery, visit the official NYBRA Plastic Surgery website
www.nybra.com Beyond Breast Implants: Reshaping Confidence After Explant Surgery – Fat grafting and breast lift