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Breast implant health check: scan and surgeon review in one visit

An implant check with ultrasound and a plastic surgeon review in the same appointment

Waterfront offers a one-stop Breast Implant Health Check. A consultant breast radiologist scans your implants with ultrasound, and a consultant plastic surgeon can go through the findings with you in the same visit, so there is no wait between the scan and the review.

A smiling woman with folded arms in her living room

Addressing a Critical Healthcare Gap

Checking implants often means separate appointments for the scan and for a surgeon’s review, which can be weeks apart and in different places. Putting the two together means you leave knowing what the scan showed and whether anything needs to happen next.

Regular checks have become more important since the worldwide recall of Allergan BIOCELL textured implants in 2019, and with greater awareness of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare lymphoma linked mainly to textured implants.

The Challenges of UK Implant Monitoring

Unlike the United States, where the FDA recommends specific MRI screening schedules, the UK lacks standardised guidelines for routine breast implant monitoring. This means many women with implants receive no regular imaging unless they develop symptoms—potentially missing early signs of complications.

Our Breast Implant Health Check service addresses this gap with a proactive approach to implant health. Using the latest Canon Aplio Me ultrasound technology, our specialists can detect potential issues before they cause noticeable symptoms.

“Early detection is key for implant complications,” explains Awf Quaba, Consultant Plastic Surgeon. “Silent ruptures, capsular contracture, and conditions like BIA-ALCL can all be identified through regular ultrasound screening. The earlier we detect these issues, the more options patients have.”

State-of-the-Art Technology

Central to our new service is the advanced Canon Aplio Me ultrasound scanner, which offers exceptional imaging quality for breast implant assessment.

“The Canon Aplio Me provides superior-resolution imaging and advanced harmonics that allow us to visualise implants and surrounding tissue with remarkable clarity,” says Theodora Zachari, Consultant Radiologist. “This technology significantly enhances our ability to detect even subtle abnormalities at an early stage.”

While MRI scanning is often considered the gold standard for detecting implant ruptures, high-quality ultrasound offers several advantages:

  • More affordable and accessible than MRI
  • No contraindications for patients with metal implants or claustrophobia
  • Real-time assessment with immediate specialist feedback
  • Excellent accuracy (87% sensitivity and 90% specificity for detecting ruptures)
A breast ultrasound scan in progress, with the image on the screen

Who Should Consider Booking a Check?

Regular breast implant monitoring becomes increasingly important as implants age. We recommend booking an ultrasound check if you:

  • Have implants over 5 years old
  • Have textured implants (particularly Allergan BIOCELL models)
  • Notice any changes in your breasts
  • Experience pain, swelling, or discomfort
  • Have implants that have never been imaged (for implants over 3 years old)
  • Are planning future breast surgery

Even without symptoms, establishing a baseline assessment is valuable for future monitoring, especially for textured implants or those approaching the 5-year mark.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Our one-stop clinic provides a seamless experience:

  1. Specialist ultrasound scan performed by a consultant breast radiologist
  2. Immediate consultation with a consultant plastic surgeon
  3. Comprehensive assessment of your implant condition
  4. Personalised recommendations based on your specific situation

The entire appointment typically takes just 45-60 minutes, with no need for follow-up visits unless specific interventions are recommended.

Service Launch and Booking Information

Our Breast Implant Health Check service will be fully operational within 6 weeks. We are currently accepting advance bookings for appointments.

Comprehensive and highly competitive pricing information will be available shortly. Our aim is to make this essential service accessible to all women with breast implants.

To schedule your appointment or register your interest – contact us below.

Contact us

Leading the Way in Implant Health

The check suits routine monitoring of your implants, and the surgeon can advise on what to do next if the scan finds anything that needs attention.


For prices and what each appointment includes, see the Breast Implant Health Check page, or contact the team.