Breast Implant Health Check Clinic — Gold Coast & Toowoomba
Breast implants are medical devices, and like all medical devices, they need to be monitored over time. Our Breast Implant Health Check Clinic provides a dedicated appointment to assess the current condition of the implants, review any concerns, and discuss the assessment findings.
The clinic is available at both our Gold Coast and Toowoomba locations, with appointments conducted by A/Prof Mark Magnusson. All patients are welcome regardless of where their original surgery was performed.
Why Regular Breast Implant Checks Matter
Implant-related complications can develop years, sometimes more than a decade, after surgery, and some problems produce no obvious symptoms in their early stages.
Breast implants are not permanent devices. All implants will eventually need to be assessed, and in some cases, revised or removed. The risk of certain complications increases with implant age, which is why regular monitoring matters even when you have no concerns.
Common reasons women come in for a breast implant check include changes in size, shape, or firmness, pain or discomfort, unexplained swelling or fluid accumulation, suspected implant rupture, and checking implants that have been in place for many years.
A silicone implant rupture is sometimes called a “silent rupture” because the gel is designed to stay cohesive and may not cause any immediate symptoms. In some cases, a rupture is only identified when imaging is performed. Ultrasound assessment can detect changes that a physical examination alone may miss.
Conditions We Can Help Assess
- Implant Rupture
All breast implants have an outer shell that can develop a tear or hole over time. With saline implants, a rupture usually causes a noticeable decrease in breast size as the saline is absorbed by the body. With silicone gel implants, the more cohesive gel tends to remain within the surrounding tissue capsule, meaning a rupture can go undetected without imaging.
- Capsular Contracture
The body naturally forms a thin layer of scar tissue around a breast implant after surgery. In some cases, that scar tissue thickens and tightens around the implant, a condition known as capsular contracture. This can cause the breast to feel firm or hard, or cause pain and discomfort. Symptoms can range from mild to significant and may develop gradually over time.
- Fluid Collection and Seroma
A seroma is a collection of fluid that can build up around an implant. Seromas can occur in the weeks after surgery, but a new or ongoing fluid collection that appears months or years later should be checked. In rare cases, unexplained fluid around an implant can be an early sign of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which has been linked to some textured breast implants.
- BIA-ALCL Awareness
BIA-ALCL (breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma) is a rare cancer of the immune system that can develop in some women with breast implants. It is not breast cancer — it is a type of lymphoma that forms in the tissue surrounding the implant. The condition typically takes several years to develop after implant placement, and the most common presenting symptom is persistent swelling of the breast. When detected early, BIA-ALCL can generally be treated effectively.
Patients with breast implants who notice new pain, swelling, changes in size or shape, or other unexplained symptoms can arrange a breast implant check so these concerns can be assessed.
What Happens at Your Appointment
Your appointment will take place in-rooms at either our Gold Coast or Toowoomba clinic. You’ll have a one-on-one consultation with A/Prof Magnusson to discuss your implant history, any symptoms or concerns, and what you’d like to know about the current state of your implants.
An in-clinic ultrasound will then be performed. Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging method that uses sound waves to produce real-time images of soft tissue structures, making it well-suited to assessing the integrity of breast implants. Having a specialist plastic surgeon conduct the ultrasound directly means the findings are interpreted in the context of your clinical history and physical examination.
In some situations, additional external imaging such as an MRI may be recommended. If that’s the case, A/Prof Magnusson can arrange the appropriate referral and discuss what the next steps would involve. At the end of your appointment, you’ll have a clear picture of your implant status and what, if anything, needs to be done.
Appointment Options and Fees
Option 1 — Implant Status Check: $220
A 15-minute consultation for women with no specific concerns who would like confirmation that their implants are in good condition. An in-clinic ultrasound is included. This option is well-suited to routine monitoring or establishing a baseline assessment.
Option 2 — Full Assessment Consultation: $450
A standard 45 to 50-minute consultation for women with specific concerns about their breasts, including changes in size or shape, pain, discomfort, or other symptoms. This longer appointment allows time for a thorough discussion, a comprehensive clinical assessment, and an in-clinic ultrasound.
As A/Prof Magnusson is a specialist, you will need a referral from your GP for a consultation. With a valid referral, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate on the consultation fee. You can contact the clinic before your appointment to check what out-of-pocket costs may apply in your situation.
Who Is This Service For?
This service is for any patient with breast implants. You do not need to have had your original surgery with A/Prof Magnusson. We see patients who have had their augmentation locally, interstate, and overseas, as well as women who have had reconstructive surgery following breast cancer treatment.
There’s no single right time to book a breast implant check. Whether you come in annually as part of routine monitoring, because you’ve noticed a change in shape, firmness, or comfort, or simply because your implants haven’t been assessed in some time, are all valid reasons to make an appointment.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
If you have information about your original breast surgery and implants, please bring it with you. This might include any paperwork from your surgeon, the name and model of your implants, your approximate surgery date, and the name of the clinic or surgeon who performed the procedure. Not everyone has these details on hand, and that’s completely fine — bring whatever you have, and our team will work with you from there.
You’ll also need a current GP referral. If you don’t have one, speak with your GP before your appointment.
Our Locations
Breast implant check appointments are available at both our Toowoomba and Gold Coast clinic locations.
Toowoomba / Darling Downs
8 Margaret Street East, Toowoomba QLD 4350
Phone: 1300 662 960
Gold Coast
Suite 6, Level 5, 123 Nerang Street, Southport QLD 4215
Phone: 1300 662 960
To make an appointment, contact our clinic directly or use the enquiry form on this page.
Book your consultation with Specialist Plastic Surgeon A/Prof Mark Magnusson
Please contact our team to arrange yo[ur consultation with A/Prof Mark Magnusson in Toowoomba or the Gold Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to book a breast implant check?
Yes. A/Prof Magnusson is a specialist plastic surgeon, which means a GP referral is required before your appointment. With a valid referral, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate on the consultation fee. If you don't currently have a referral, book an appointment with your GP and mention that you'd like to see a specialist plastic surgeon for a breast implant assessment.
I didn't have my breast augmentation with A/Prof Magnusson. Can I still come in?
Yes, absolutely. Our Breast Implant Health Check Clinic is open to any woman with breast implants, regardless of who performed the original surgery, where it was done, or what type of implants were used. Please bring any information you have about your implants if you can.
I have no symptoms and feel completely fine. Is a breast implant check still useful?
Yes. Some implant complications, particularly silicone rupture, can occur without causing any obvious symptoms. This is often referred to as a "silent rupture." Routine assessment gives you accurate information about the current state of your implants, even when everything feels normal.
What does the in-clinic ultrasound involve?
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the soft tissue inside the body and does not involve radiation. For a breast implant assessment, a gel is placed on the skin and a small handheld probe is moved gently over the breast to record images of the implant and surrounding tissue. The scan is done in the clinic, takes a limited amount of time, and any preparation that is needed is explained before the appointment.
Can the ultrasound detect all types of implant problems?
Ultrasound is a useful and practical tool for assessing implant integrity and detecting changes such as rupture and fluid collections. In some cases, additional imaging such as an MRI may be recommended for a more detailed assessment. If further imaging is needed, A/Prof Magnusson will discuss this with you and can arrange the appropriate referral.
My implants are quite old. Is it too late to get them checked?
No. Older implants are a common reason for an assessment. The risk of complications such as rupture and capsular contracture can increase over time, so if your implants have not been checked for some time, an appointment can be made to have them assessed.
What happens if a problem is found?
If an issue is identified, A/Prof Magnusson will explain the findings clearly and discuss your options. This might involve additional imaging, a follow-up consultation, or a referral for further assessment or surgical management. The purpose of the health check is to give you accurate information so you can make an informed decision about next steps.
I have textured implants. Should I be concerned about BIA-ALCL?
BIA-ALCL is a rare condition that has been linked to some textured breast implants. Current information suggests it remains uncommon, but being aware of possible warning signs is important. One of the main features to look for is new or persistent swelling of the breast, especially if it develops months or years after surgery. Patients who notice this, or have other concerns, can arrange a breast implant check with A/Prof Magnusson so that the implants and breast tissue can be assessed and any further tests discussed.
Will the ultrasound also screen for breast cancer?
The in-clinic ultrasound performed at your breast implant check is focused on assessing the condition of your implants. It is not a replacement for routine breast cancer screening. If you have concerns about breast health beyond your implants, please discuss these with your GP.
How often should I have my implants checked?
The appropriate frequency will depend on factors such as the age of your implants, your implant type, and whether any concerns arise over time. A/Prof Magnusson can advise you on a suitable monitoring schedule based on your individual circumstances at your appointment.