Breast Implant Scan

Worried about your breast implants? Many women worry about whether their breast prostheses are safe, particularly whether they are leaking. The Breast Implant Scan offers quick insight into your personal situation and our medical advice.

Are you concerned about your breast implants?

Many women with breast implants experience uncertainty about the condition of their implants, especially if they were inserted a long time ago. Scientific research shows that the risk of implants rupturing or leaking increases as they age, particularly after 10 to 15 years* (*Safety of breast implants | Breast implants | Health and Youth Care Inspectorate). Although implants must meet strict safety requirements, no implant can be guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Regular monitoring is therefore important.

At Essenza Clinics, we offer the Breast Implant Scan as a service for women who are concerned about the condition of their breast implants. Our medical team assesses implant-related questions exclusively, based on years of expertise, not general breast health such as lumps or abnormalities. The scan uses a number of specific questions to determine which next step is most appropriate for you. This personal advice is, of course, non-binding.

Our advice in your situation? Take the Breast Implant Scan here and get clarity quickly.

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Advice

You have been referred to make an appointment with the plastic surgeon. An MRI is not necessary in this case.

You have indicated that you have PIP implants. These implants were marketed between 2001 and 2010 and contain silicone that is not suitable for medical use. Research has shown that these implants have an increased risk of rupture, leakage, and capsular contracture, especially as they age.

Source 1: Risks of breast implants: Risks of breast implants and PIP implants
Source 2: Frequently asked questions about breast implants | Health and Youth Care Inspectorate.

Although there is no direct evidence that PIP implants are harmful to general health, based on these increased risks, it is recommended that they be removed by a plastic surgeon. An MRI is not necessary in this case. We advise you to make an appointment with one of our surgeons.

Do you have implants of the PIP brand?

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Advice

Our advice is to visit the clinic, followed by a personalized treatment plan.

Many women choose to have their breast implants removed, for example due to discomfort, a changed body image, or concerns about the long term. Whatever your reason, it is important that your decision is medically supervised. During the consultation, you will discuss your concerns, wishes, and expectations with a plastic surgeon. We will assess the condition of your implants and the surrounding tissue. Together, we will look at which treatment options are best for you, from explantation to possible reconstruction.

Our goal is to offer you clarity, security, and control. So that you can make an informed choice, with the right medical support.

Do you want to get rid of your implants?

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Advice

Our advice is to visit the clinic, followed by an MRI scan if necessary.

These symptoms may indicate possible complications with your breast implants, such as capsular contracture (hardening of the connective tissue around the implant), leakage, or rupture. The risk of these complications increases, especially with implants that were placed some time ago. Symptoms such as pain, a pulling sensation, visible deformation, or a sudden difference in size between both breasts are signs that should be taken seriously. Although these complaints do not always indicate a serious problem, it is important to have them assessed by a doctor. We therefore advise you to make an appointment with a plastic surgeon. They can discuss with you whether additional tests, such as an MRI scan, are necessary and whether further treatment is advisable. Our goal is to give you certainty and peace of mind. By having the situation assessed in a timely manner, you can avoid unnecessary worries or complications.

Cost of MRI + check-up at clinic: €495

Do you have symptoms such as pain, asymmetry, swelling, or a change in shape in one or both breasts?

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Advice

There is currently no indication for further action.

According to the guidelines of the Dutch Association for Plastic Surgery, routine (MRI) examinations are not necessary for women without symptoms. Furthermore, the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate recommends that screening should only start after 10 years. However, scientific research shows that, although small, there is indeed a 3-17% risk of leaking prostheses between the ages of 0 and 10. (* Gland Surg. 2017 Apr;6(2):163–168. doi: 10.21037/gs.2016.09.12 2017 Apr;6(2):163–168. doi: 10.21037/gs.2016.09.12)

We can therefore well imagine that you are concerned, even with relatively new implants. This is also evident from our daily practice. A large proportion of this patient group nevertheless opts for a clinic visit and MRI to allay their concerns.

During this investigation, we assess:
  • The overall condition of your implants
  • Any signs of crusting or leakage
  • Changes in shape or position
  • Complaints or symptoms you may experience

This way, we offer you certainty and keep a close eye on your health—even if you have no symptoms.

Advice

Have your implants checked if they are 10 years old or older, even if you have no complaints.

The risk of wear and tear or complications increases over time. Consider an imaging examination (MRI) 10 years after implantation, especially if there is any doubt or if there are cosmetic changes.

If you have any complaints, additional testing is necessary. Watch out for signs such as:
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Change in shape or symmetry
  • Swelling or hardening
  • General malaise without any apparent cause

This way, we offer you certainty and keep a close eye on your health, even if you have no symptoms.

Cost of check-up at clinic (excluding MRI): €230 / check-up at clinic including MRI: €495

Advice

Have your implants checked as soon as they are 20 years old or older, even if you have no complaints.

Implants are not designed to last a lifetime, and the risk of complications such as tears (ruptures) or capsule formation increases significantly after 20 years.

If you have any complaints, additional testing is necessary. Watch out for signs such as:
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Change in shape or symmetry
  • Swelling or hardening
  • General malaise without any apparent cause

This way, we offer you certainty and keep a close eye on your health, even if you have no symptoms.

Cost of check-up at clinic (excluding MRI): €230 / check-up at clinic including MRI: €495

You only want a scan if it is medically necessary.

That is a very understandable and careful choice. Many women want to avoid unnecessary tests, but still want to be sure that they are not at risk. That is why at Essenza Clinics we always look at your personal situation first. To determine the medical necessity of an MRI scan, our specialists look at two important factors:

  • Complaints
  • Age of the implants
  • Brand implant

You previously indicated in the scan that you have no complaints and do not have PIP implants. In that case, the age of your implants is the most important medical indicator. Scientific research shows that the risk of rupture or leakage increases significantly 10 years after implantation. Even before the age of 10 years, a small percentage of cases involve leakage. The older the prosthesis, the greater the risk of invisible damage.

Select the age of your implants here

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Carried out with care by our specialists

Drs. M. Schuringa

"It is important to me that my patients are well and honestly informed and feel heard."...

Drs. M. van Hal

"As a plastic surgeon, but also as a wife and mother, I know how important it is to feel good in your own body."...

Why Essenza?

You go through a process that is customized from the beginning, completely tailored to your unique body shape. We carefully inform you about the treatment options, possible risks and the recovery process. You will receive honest advice about what is feasible and which treatment is appropriate and safe for you.

The team has full attention to your needs and questions. Treatment decisions are made together with you, so that the chosen approach matches your expectations and goals. You will have a regular contact person with expertise who will guide you before, during and after treatment.
Essenza uses the latest, proven techniques and high-quality materials. Our treatments are focused on quick recovery and minimal stress for you as a patient. By always applying the most innovative methods, risks and complications are reduced and we achieve the best results.

Treatments are performed by certified and highly experienced plastic surgeons. Complex procedures are performed as a team to reduce complications and achieve better results. So you can be confident that you are in good hands.