During the Breast/Breast implant MRI scan, it's essential to remove any jewellery, piercings, removable dentures, hearing aids, and other metallic devices. Non-removable devices made of MRI-compatible materials such as prosthetics and IUD spirals can be scanned, but their presence might affect image quality. Patients may need to remove bras with metal braces or clasps at the back. Additionally, ensure that no metal coins, phones, credit cards, or other magnetisable objects are left in pockets.
During a breast or breast implant MRI scan, the patient lies on their stomach on the table. Their breasts are placed in a device called a breast coil. The patient also holds a "panic button" that they can press if they experience any issues during the scan, signalling the radiographers to stop the measurement. Ear protection is provided to reduce the noise from the loud clicking noises during the scan. The native scan of breast implants takes about 16 minutes and about 30 minutes when a contrast agent is used. In all other cases, a contrast agent is used during the examination and it takes about 20 minutes.
If you are scheduled for a contrast-enhanced MRI scan and have had a contrast-enhanced CT scan previously, it's important to wait at least 1-2 weeks between the two scans. For breastfeeding individuals scheduled for a contrast-enhanced MRI scan, it's recommended to stop breastfeeding for 48 hours after the contrast agent has been injected.