Experts say women who have breast reconstruction after a mastectomy don’t need routine mammograms. But if a physical exam finds something concerning, a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound or MRI may be performed. Every breast reconstruction patient should perform weekly self-breast exams and have annual exams performed by her surgeon, Dr. Liu says.
For women with silicone gel-filled implants, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that women receive a breast MRI three years after they receive their implants, and every two years after that, to look for signs of ruptures.