Breast Implant MRI

Dedicated MRI assessment of breast implants at Sagena Frýdek-Místek. MRI is the most sensitive imaging method for detecting silicone implant rupture — including silent intracapsular ruptures that cause no symptoms and are invisible on ultrasound or mammography. The examination evaluates the implant shell, looks for the characteristic signs of intra- and extracapsular rupture, and assesses the surrounding tissue, without radiation or breast compression. Self-pay slots are typically available within 24–72 hours.

Silicone breast implants do not last forever: shells can weaken and rupture over time, and a significant share of ruptures are "silent" — contained within the fibrous capsule, causing no change in look or feel. International guidance (including the US FDA) recommends periodic imaging surveillance of silicone implants, with MRI as the most sensitive method; plastic surgeons commonly advise a first check several years after implantation and regular intervals thereafter, or imaging whenever there is pain, hardening, change in shape or suspicion of rupture. **What the scan shows:** dedicated silicone-sensitive MRI sequences display the implant shell and silicone signal directly. Radiologists look for the classic signs of intracapsular rupture (such as the "linguine sign" of a collapsed shell floating in silicone) and extracapsular rupture (silicone beyond the capsule in breast tissue or lymph nodes), as well as capsular contracture-related changes, fluid collections and the state of surrounding tissue. The examination involves no breast compression and no radiation, and at 6,000 Kč is priced below a typical diagnostic breast MRI because no contrast protocol is routinely needed for implant-integrity questions. **When to book:** routine integrity surveillance of silicone implants; new breast pain, asymmetry, hardening or shape change with implants in place; before or after implant exchange surgery; or an unclear ultrasound finding. If a broader diagnostic question arises (e.g. a suspicious lesion in breast tissue), a contrast-enhanced protocol can be arranged. **The examination** takes around 30–40 minutes lying prone on a dedicated breast coil. Standard MRI exclusions apply (pacemaker, neurostimulator, cochlear implant, eye metal, insulin pump, first-trimester pregnancy). Self-pay booking is online with slots from 24 hours and a 72-hour guarantee — convenient for follow-up that public referral pathways rarely prioritise.