Ultrasonography of the Postsurgical Breast Including Implants

Surgical interventions lead to alterations in breast tissue causing difficulty in interpretation of clinical and radiologic findings. Radiologists must detect and recognize these alterations to diagnose recurrent tumor while there is a chance for curative surgery. It is important to avoid overdiagnosis so as not to lead to unnecessary biopsies. Ultrasonography is an adjunct to mammography in evaluating post-treatment changes. Changes in the breast can be visualized clearly and directly without superimposition of structures. This article reviews sonographic findings in operated breasts, with a focus on the conservatively treated breast, and findings associated with excisional biopsies, breast implants, augmentation, and reduction mammoplasties.