If you are considering breast augmentation for the first time, follow-up of your implants is a critical aspect in choosing a plastic surgeon and practice because implants do not last a lifetime.
When you are ready to make a transformation, you deserve partners on your journey who you trust deeply to deliver the results you want.
The highly experienced team at The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery is led by board-certified surgeons Dr. Brad Bengtson and Dr. David Alfonso. Our surgeons are regularly recognized by patients and colleagues alike for their commitment to innovation, compassionate patient care, and top-quality outcomes. Their work is supported by the thoughtful and passionate collaboration of the entire Bengtson team.
Has consistently been named one of the Best Doctors in America® since 1996 and recognized as Best Plastic Surgeon in Grand Rapids by Grand Rapids Magazine for the last 12 years.
With over two decades of experience, he is respected for his cutting-edge techniques and compassionate patient care. In addition to his work with patients, Dr. Bengtson travels globally to share his knowledge and innovative approaches with fellow plastic surgeons. He is passionate about delivering harmonious, natural-looking results that elevate rather than alter each patient’s unique aesthetic.
Watch Dr. Bengtson’s VideoHas extensive experience performing a range of surgical and non-surgical procedures, with a particular passion for body contouring and facial rejuvenation.
A careful listener and passionate practitioner, he has received numerous accolades, including recognition as a RealSelf Top Doctor since 2015. He also contributes to advancing techniques in the plastic surgery community through regular publications and lectures. Dr. Alfonso is a fluent Spanish speaker, which helps him provide exceptional communication and care to a broader range of patients.
Watch Dr. Alfonso’s VideoUnderstand her patient’s goals, motivations and desires and is always excited to partner with them to achieve safe and exceptional results.
Her philosophy is founded in individuality, enhancement of one’s own natural beauty and in helping her patients restore harmony between their physical body and their truest self. She is committed to excellence and dedicated to using her surgical expertise to help her patients feel strong, beautiful and confident.
There are a number of reasons why The Bengtson Center is renowned for Ultrasound Imaging of Breast Implants:
At the Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic surgery, we use a high-resolution ultrasound system to screen and detect abnormalities in silicone, Natrelle 410 “Gummy Bear” Cohesive Gel, or standard responsive gel breast implants. Ultrasound imaging of breast implants gives our Grand Rapids and Birmingham patients peace of mind.
While both options can detect implant shell failures, HRUS is more comfortable and cost-effective—plus in-office HRUS is included at no extra charge with breast augmentation at the Grand Rapids Bengtson Center!
As a plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation, Dr. Bradley Bengtson offers high-resolution ultrasound imaging of breast implants so his Grand Rapids and Birmingham patients can have peace of mind as they follow their breast implants. Although current generation breast implants are very durable and able to withstand tremendous pressures, most do not last a lifetime.
After 7 to 8 years, some implant shells (the outer layer) can weaken, and form a fold flaw from rubbing on themselves. Because of this, the FDA currently recommends MRI imaging of silicone breast implants every 3, 5, and 7 years; however, this is too early to pick up most implant problems. In addition, the majority of plastic surgeons recommend MRIs that most insurance companies do not pay for, costing patients $2,000 to $2,500 per exam.
In search of a cost-effective option to MRI, Dr. Bengtson initiated a research study protocol to determine if High-Resolution Ultrasound (HRUS) would provide an effective method and alternative to MRI to monitor and follow the condition of breast implants. The research results thus far indicate that, as a screening tool, ultrasound appears to be equivalent to MRI in detecting shell failure of breast implants. That can provide peace of mind and also save our Grand Rapids and Birmingham patients a great deal of money in the long run.
Dr. Bengtson received the prestigious Tiffany Award for the Best Research in Plastic Surgery by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for his work examining the efficacy of monitoring breast implants with this High-Resolution Ultrasound technique. Years of specialized education and experience enable him to perform exceptional breast augmentation procedures, but his involvement doesn’t end when the last suture is placed. Dr. B maintains a long-term interest in the health and welfare of all his patients, following all of his breast patients for life.
Implants don't last a lifetime, but your care should! As a leader in High Resolution Ultrasound, Dr. Brad Bengtson has exclusively pioneered research in Breast Augmentation follow-up using High Resolution Ultrasound.
Dr. Bengtson's Awards & Honors include: "Best Research Paper of the Year": Awarded for research on ultrasound imaging of breast implants. Tiffany Award: Groundbreaking research on ultrasound imaging of breast implants.
He continues to provide the gold standard for his breast augmentation patients. From start to finish, he has you covered! High Resolution Ultrasound follow-ups are included on all breast augmentation patients at no charge. If you are concerned about rotation or rupture of your implants, you no longer need to worry or seek out a costly MRI. In-office Ultrasound Imaging is available to cover any of your concerns.
Dr. Bengtson has completed multiple research projects in an IRB-controlled (Institutional Review Board) study to investigate MRI versus ultrasound for the detection of breast implant shell failure. His research has and continues to show HRUS to be equivalent to MRI in this regard.
Ultrasound monitoring of breast implants at our Grand Rapids practice can be performed more economically and comfortably than an MRI, which is the current standard for evaluating the condition of an implant that is inside your body. Dr. Bengtson believes this technology will be in every plastic surgeon’s office and used as an extension of our physical exam in the near future.
What sets high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) imaging apart from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when it comes to checking breast implants? While both options can detect implant shell failures, HRUS is more comfortable and cost-effective—plus in-office HRUS is included at no extra charge with breast augmentation at the Grand Rapids Bengtson Center!
Elected by his peers for inclusion in Best Doctors in America® consecutively since 1996.
Sought-after Global Speaker and Educator on all aspects of Plastic Surgery.
Read MoreContact the Bengtson Center to learn more about ultrasound breast implant follow-up in Grand Rapids. You can reach Dr. Brad Bengtson or Dr. David Alfonso by requesting a consultation online or calling us at (616)588-8880
Are you ready to take the next step to a more beautiful you? Plastic Surgeons Dr. Bengtson and Dr. Alfonso, along with the team at The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, provide advanced plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment for patients from Grand Rapids, Birmingham, Detroit, and Kalamazoo, Michigan. We specialize in breast augmentation, breast implants, and tummy tuck surgery, as well as laser hair removal, Micro-Needling, BOTOX Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM, and other dermal fillers. Results may vary from person to person.