Breast MRI for Implant Evaluation — With or Without Contrast
A breast MRI evaluates breast implants and surrounding tissue for problems such as rupture, leakage, or other complications.
["Breast implant MRI can help assess implant integrity and identify complications that may not be apparent on other imaging."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 69191-5
- Short code
- MR Brst for Implant WO contr
- Synonyms
- MR Brst for Implant WO contr
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
Breast MRI for implant evaluation uses magnetic fields and detailed images to examine breast implants and the surrounding breast tissue. The study may be performed with or without intravenous contrast, depending on the clinical question and the information provided by your healthcare professional.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be recommended to evaluate a breast implant when there is concern about implant rupture, leakage, pain, swelling, or a change in the appearance of the breast. It can also be used to assess the position of an implant or evaluate tissue around the implant.
How is the test performed?
You will lie on a table inside a large MRI scanner. The scanner makes loud knocking and ringing noises, and you may be able to use earplugs or headphones. If contrast is used, it is given through a small intravenous line, and the scan typically lasts longer than a routine MRI. A radiologist reviews the images and sends the report to your healthcare professional.
How do I prepare for the test?
Tell your healthcare professional about any metal in your body, prior reactions to contrast, kidney disease, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, and any other medical conditions. Follow the facility's instructions about medications, eating, and drinking, and bring information about your implant if available.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings may indicate implant rupture, silicone or other filling leakage, abnormal implant position, inflammation, or a mass in the surrounding breast tissue. Results are interpreted together with your symptoms, physical examination, and other imaging or laboratory tests. MRI findings may require additional evaluation or management by your clinician.
Short name
Breast Implant MRI
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a routine breast MRI?
Will I receive contrast?
Does breast MRI definitively prove that an implant is ruptured?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy