Significant potential advantages over MRI in screening and diagnosis of breast implant shell failure

New York, NY (February 15, 2012) – Will high-resolution ultrasound become the new screening and diagnostic method for imaging silicone gel breast implants?  A recent study suggests that portable, surgeon-performed, high-resolution ultrasound may have advantages over magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when screening for implant failure. Preliminary results from the study demonstrated that high-resolution ultrasound provides excellent visualization of current fourth- and fifth-generation silicone gel implants in scanning models. In addition, in vivo surgeon-performed ultrasound accurately identified implant status and correlated with radiologist-performed ultrasound, MRI, and surgical findings. The results of the study, “Surgeon-Performed High-Resolution Ultrasound in the Detection of Silicone Gel Breast Implant Shell Failure: Background, In Vitro Studies, and Early Clinical Results,” appear in the February issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.  

“Our preliminary findings show that portable, surgeon-performed, high-resolution ultrasound is feasible for screening silicone gel breast implants, matching the capabilities of MRI in detecting shell failure,” said lead author Bradley Bengtson, MD, FACS, a plastic surgeon in private practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “Although we are still working to define the role of this technology in the screening and diagnosis of patients with different silicone gel breast implant styles, there are several obvious benefits over MRI, including convenience, cost, availability, and dynamic, real-time visualization of the implant.”

Funded in part by a grant from the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF), the multi-part study evaluated several currently available base and transducer systems, using them for both in vitro and ex vivo scanning model assessments of a variety of normal and damaged implant models (Phase 1). These technologies were also applied clinically to provide imaging experience in three patients previously diagnosed with unilateral implant failure (Phase 2). A preliminary prospective evaluation was then performed to compare the accuracy of MRI, surgeon-performed high-resolution ultrasound, and radiologist-performed high-resolution ultrasound scans in predicting the shell integrity of 29 implants in 15 consecutive breast implant patients who subsequently underwent secondary implant surgery (Phase 3). In Phase 1, all hardware models easily detected both intact and intentionally damaged shells in currently marketed fourth-generation responsive gel implants and in investigational, fifth-generation highly cohesive gel devices. Although multiple transducers were able to detect shell failure, the 12-MHz head produced the best images at the normal clinical depth range. Confirmatory scans in Phase 2 correctly identified the side of rupture and were consistent with MRI and surgical findings. In Phase 3, high-resolution ultrasound accurately predicted implant shell integrity in all 29 imaged breasts (100%) as confirmed at the time of surgery in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. MRI is currently is currently recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for device surveillance. 

“For both the patient and the surgeon, portable, high-resolution ultrasound has many potential benefits over MRI in the setting of breast implant screening,” said co-author Felmont Eaves, MD, Associate Clinical Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and immediate past president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). “This office-based technology may also have broader applications, such as hand and facial fracture identification and treatment, vein surgery and ablation, visualization prior to shaped implant rotation, identification and management of seroma, and general breast evaluation.”

A prospective study is currently ongoing to help define the sensitivity and specificity of high-resolution ultrasound in the evaluation of current implant designs. 

“Portable, high-resolution ultrasound that can be performed by the surgeon has the potential to enhance many areas of aesthetic breast surgery practice,” said Foad Nahai, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Aesthetic Surgery Journal. “We look forward to more information from this study.”

About ASAPS
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), is recognized as the world’s leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body.  ASAPS is comprised of over 2,600 Plastic Surgeons; active members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. International active members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements.

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Source: The American Society for Aesthetics Plastic Surgery, http://www.surgery.org/media/news-releases/new-ultrasound-technology-promising-for-silicone-gel-breast-implant-monitoring

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Just after Thanksgiving eightWest visited Bengtson Center to learn how to say bye, bye to bulges. Host Jordan Carson interviewed Kelly Stecco as she tried CoolSculpting on air, and Dr. Brad Bengtson described how viewers can learn more at Bengtson Center’s CoolSculpting Seminar on November 30. See more by clicking here.

WITHOUT INVASIVE PROCEDURES

What Started as an Observation with Popsicles Turned into an Easier Way to Eliminate Fat Cells

Wednesday, October 5, 2011 ─ Everyone has their problem areas – those areas of the body that are stubborn, unwilling to go away even with effort. Maybe it’s a muffin top, perhaps love handles, or it could be back fat that’s causing grief. Many Americans try every cellulite cream on the market, all the new fad diets, and often anything possible to hide these problem areas, but few are willing to go under the knife to permanently beat the bulge. However, a new, non-invasive way to reduce fat has hit the market and is now available on Grand Rapid’s Medical Mile in the Bengtson Centerfor Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery.

This clinically proven procedure is a way to literally freeze fat off the body. CoolSculpting™ by ZELTIQ uses a precisely controlled cooling method called Cryolipolysis™ to target, cool, and eliminate fall cells without damage to neighboring tissue. After the cells are “frozen” during the procedure, it takes just two to four months for the crystallized fat cells to break down and naturally flush out of the body. The treated body will continue to flush out fat cells for up to six months.

CoolSculpting is currently FDA approved for the flanks and abdomen areas of the body, but other parts may also be treated with each procedure lasting one hour per area of treatment. The CoolSculpting device draws the problem area up and in between two cooling panels, then it cools the fat cells over the treatment period. Since CoolSculpting is non-invasive, patients won’t feel pain during the procedure and can comfortably use their time for light work or entertainment. Patients can return to normal activities immediately following the procedure.

Each procedure will, on average, result in a 20 percent reduction of fat in the treated area. Some patients find that one treatment fully addresses their goals; however, they can attain further reductions with additional procedures. Patients may start to see changes within three weeks from the treatment, with the most dramatic results noticeable after two months.

“For the small areas of fat that don’t seem to warrant a surgical procedure, CoolSculpting offers a natural and effective way of eliminating fat without cutting, needles and downtime,” said Dr. Brad Bengtson. “We’re excited to bring this convenient, alternative option to our patients who want results but are too nervous to opt into invasive procedures.” As long as patients maintain their weight with normal diet and exercise, long-term results should remain the same.

More information about CoolSculpting can be found at www.bengtsoncenter.com and by visiting Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery for a complimentary consultation.

About Dr. Bradley Bengtson

Dr. Bengtson, MD FACS is a board certified plastic surgeon who was recently awarded “Best Plastic Surgeon” by Grand Rapids Magazine and for the last 16 consecutive years has been elected by his peers for inclusion in Best Doctors in America. He received his doctorate from the Indiana University School of Medicine and is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Bengtson is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Christian Medical Society. He’s a leader in ground-breaking research in plastic surgery and has received numerous grants and awards, including the Tiffany Award for best research from the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery. He maintains expertise in breast and facial aesthetics, 3-D imaging, revision breast surgery, liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), CoolSculpting, and more. Outside of surgery, Dr. Bengtson is West Michigan’s only board certified national trainer for Botox® and Juvéderm®, while also offering laser hair removal and skin laser treatment services at transforMD Skin Care Center. The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery in the Women’s Health Center of West Michigan is Dr. Bengtson’s main practice. His sister practice can be found in Grandville at Design 1 Salon Spa.

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The October issue of NewBeauty Magazine features our own Dr. Bengtson talking about tech-savvy approaches to plastic surgery that he has incorporated into his practice.