Atlas of Breast Implant Ultrasound

Currently, an implant-based augmentation mammaplasty is the most popular
plastic surgery in women worldwide. Moreover, breast cancer is the most
common malignancy in women. Therefore, there has been an increase in the
number of women who undergo breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
According to the 2018 statistics in Korea, breast cancer occurred in approximately
26,000 women. It is also estimated that approximately 20,000 women
receive an implant-based augmentation mammaplasty every year. In particular,
women receiving total mastectomy have been covered by the national
health insurance since 2015. This is closely associated with a continual
increase in the number of women receiving an implant-based augmentation
mammaplasty for reconstructive purposes. Breast is a symbol of feminity;
women desire to have a beautiful breast, where breast health is an essential
factor that cannot be overlooked. Women receiving an implant-based augmentation
mammaplasty are vulnerable to diverse types of complications as
there has been a dramatic increase in the use of a breast implant, for which an
early detection of post-implantation complications is mandatory for assurance
of patient health and safety.
In my experience, breast ultrasound is not only an evidence-based imaging
modality in making a diagnosis of complications in women receiving a breast
implant at the earliest opportunities possible but also a useful tool for identifying
a specific type of an implant like shell type, shape type, and the corresponding
manufacturer. This book will provide a guidance to practitioners
who are involved in an implant-based augmentation mammaplasty.