Breast Ultrasound

Advanced Ultrasound for Breast Implant Health

At my practice in San Francisco, I believe the best surgical outcomes come from a seamless blend of artistry, deep anatomical knowledge, and state-of-the-art technology. As part of my commitment to evidence-based care and patient safety, I am proud to offer high-definition, in-office ultrasound imaging using the Clarius ultrasound system.

While we utilize ultrasound to enhance safety and precision across various facial and body contouring procedures, it is a particularly transformative tool for monitoring breast implant health.

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Why Routine Breast Implant Screening Matters

Ensure your health & peace of mind

Silicone breast implants are safe and highly effective, but like all medical devices, they are not intended to last a lifetime. Over time, the outer shell of an implant can experience wear. Because modern cohesive gel (often called “gummy bear”) implants hold their shape so well, a rupture or leak is typically “silent”—meaning you will not notice any changes in the size, shape, or feel of your breast.

The FDA recommends routine imaging for silicone breast implants starting 5 to 6 years after your initial surgery, and every 2 to 3 years thereafter.

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Advanced In-Office Ultrasound for Breast Implant Health
breast lift

Ultrasound: An Alternative to MRI for Implant Screening

Traditionally, patients had to visit a hospital or radiology center for an expensive, time-consuming MRI to check the status of their implants. By bringing the high-definition Clarius ultrasound into the office, we have modernized this experience.

  • Immediate Answers: We review the high-definition images together in real time on a tablet. You don’t have to wait days for a radiologist’s report.
  • Comfortable & Non-Invasive: There are no tight, noisy MRI tubes or claustrophobia. You recline comfortably in our exam room.
  • Cost-Effective: In-office ultrasound is significantly more affordable than a traditional MRI and saves you a trip to a secondary imaging facility.
  • Zero Radiation: Ultrasound relies entirely on safe sound waves to create images of your internal anatomy.

What To Expect

Your ultrasound screening is quick, painless & stress-free

During your appointment, I will apply a warm, water-based gel to the skin and gently glide the wireless Clarius scanner over your breasts. The screening is fast and totally pain free.

Because the system is wireless and instantly transmits to a screen in the room, you get to see exactly what I see. We will discuss the health of your implants, review your anatomy, and formulate a plan if any revisions or implant exchanges are recommended.

What We Look For During Your Scan

Using the Clarius system, we can instantly visualize the breast tissue, the implant capsule, and the implant itself.

We use this technology to evaluate:

1. Implant Shell Integrity: We check for signs of silent ruptures, micro-leaks, or folding in the silicone shell.

2. Fluid Collections: We can detect and safely evaluate late-onset seromas (fluid accumulation around the implant), which is an important step in screening for broader breast health issues.

3. Capsular Contracture: Ultrasound allows us to visualize the thickness of the scar tissue (capsule) your body naturally forms around the implant.

4. Guided Care: If fluid needs to be drained or tested, the ultrasound allows me to visualize my instruments in real time, ensuring millimeter accuracy and enhanced safety.

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Turn your dreams into reality

Get in-depth personal consultation where I’ll tell you more about the ultrasound and answer any questions you may have.

I am located in a beautiful and classic San Francisco neighborhood called Pacific Heights.

Directions: Apple | Google

Phone: 415-981-3911

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Breast Procedures

Dr. Nguyen understands that any surgery or procedure can be a life-changing event that requires thoughtfulness on the part of both surgeon and patient, and she never takes this for granted.
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My goal is to provide an augmentation that complements the patient’s body frame and proportions. This involves selecting implant sizes, shapes, and profiles that are in balance with the patient’s chest width, breast width, and overall body shape.

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A breast lift, medically known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts. This procedure involves removing excess skin, tightening the surrounding tissue, and repositioning the nipples to create a more youthful and uplifted appearance.

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A breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure designed to reduce the size of your breasts by tightening the surrounding skin, lifting the nipple-areola complex, and remove breast tissue (or parenchyma).

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Breast augmentation revision surgery encompasses a wide range of issues from a previous breast augmentation. These can include malpositioned implants, contracture, unevenness, hardness, rippling, or lack of roundness. All can be effectively addressed with revision surgery.

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Nipple reduction surgery is a sought-after procedure among individuals who were born with large nipples or areolas or due to changes like weight gain or piercings. These large nipples can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Many patients prefer the aesthetic of smaller nipples and less prominent areolas, as they are less noticeable under clothing. There is a simple, safe, and effective procedure to reduce your nipples to the size you desire.

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Tuberous breasts, also known as tubular breasts or constricted breasts, are a congenital condition where the breasts fail to develop fully during puberty. This condition is characterized by breasts that are elongated, narrow, and often have a constricted base, giving them a tubular or tube-like appearance. Tuberous breasts may also have a higher-than-normal breast crease and areola herniation, where the areolas protrude outward more than usual.

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Dr. Audrey Nguyen

My Approach

I am committed to the highest standards of patient care and plastic surgery. I believe in developing a strong relationship with my patients in order to best serve their needs and desires.

Furthemore, I am committed to the art and science of plastic surgery and believe that the best results come from a combination of technique, knowledge of patient anatomy, and artistry. My goal is to achieve excellence with a natural aesthetic and elegance while matching the patients’ desires to what is surgically possible so that they can radiate from the inside out. I look forward to meeting you.

Patient Testimonials
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Dear Dr. Nguyen — It’s impossible for me to properly thank you for the time, care, expertise and understanding throughout my recent procedure. It’s such a unique relationship and experience mentally and physically. You never wavered, were clear, honest and realistic from day one.

You may take your talent for granted, I don’t. I am in awe of it and will be ever grateful for it.
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
audrey nguyen testimonial
"As a breast reduction patient, I can't overemphasize the positive impact that this surgery has had on my physical health and mental well-being. Prior to surgery, low back pain, migraines and neck spasms were my daily reality. Through many consultations, Dr Nguyen expertly and patiently explained the surgery process, target outcomes and potential risks.

Her comprehensive approach was to remove enough tissue to ease my physical symptoms while crafting a beautiful breast shape proportional to my body and preserving all nerve sensation. The result has been genuinely life changing. Not only am I living pain-free, but I feel 20 years younger. The literal weight off my shoulders combined with a beautiful, natural breast shape has left me with more energy and better range of motion, while also erasing the psychological weight of carrying oversized breasts. I am so grateful to Dr Nguyen and her team for their medical expertise, artistic vision and genuine warmth throughout this process, and highly recommend them to anyone considering a breast reduction."
Breast Reduction

Dear Dr. Nguyen, I am so grateful I chose you as my breast augmentation surgeon. My results are not only natural, but feel authentic to me! Beyond what I hoped for.

I feel happier and more like myself than ever before. I only wish I had found you sooner! THANK YOU!!
Breast Augmentation
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Words cannot explain our gratitude for all your thoughtfulness and care. You will always be in our hearts.
Male Abdominoplasty, Gynecomastia Excision & Reconstruction
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I have had a facelift , neck lift and scar removal performed by Dr. Nguyen. I have had the face and neck procedure done before, but with my last surgery I had less discomfort. The outcome of her surgery was superior to the previous surgery.

Dr. Nguyen is very professional with her patient consultation. I highly recommend her for any surgical procedure.
Facelift, Neck Lift & Scar Removal
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Dr. Nguyen, Thanks isn’t enough for the exceptional care you’ve given me. Thank you and my sincerest gratitude for making me feel like myself again.
Abdominoplasty
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Dr. Nguyen was incredible during my entire process with my BA procedure. She helped me select the size that felt perfect and natural for me and was incredibly attentive with all of my questions and concerns both during and after my procedure.

I am thrilled with my results 7 months post-op and highly recommend Dr. Nguyen.
Breast Augmentation
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Thank you for not only helping me achieve the natural look I was looking for but also remaining so kind and genuine throughout the whole process. You don’t know how much it means to find a doctor that is not only knowledgeable but also truly cares about their patients. My breasts look and feel amazing, you are truly an artist, and I can’t thank you enough.
Breast Augmentation
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Thank you for realizing a life-long dream I’ve had for over 25 years, and doing it with such compassion, skill, and attention to detail. Every aspect of my experience was exceptional–from thoroughly answering my questions and offering assurance during consult and pre-op to ensuring my comfort and expertly transforming my body during surgery, to taking the time to support me in the healing process and post-op visits. I felt so respected and at ease through this experience! And the results. Oh, the results!!!
Breast Augmentation
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Dr. Nguyen is wonderful in every way. Her manner is calm, gentle, confident, reassuring, and thorough. She answered all of my many questions in a thorough and documented way. The measures she took to prepare me for the most smooth, painless, and successful surgery all worked great–I had barely any pos-top discomfort and went on a date a week after my surgery. The results have been outstanding, and Dr. Nguyen provides great post-op care as well!
Breast Augmentation
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I highly recommend Dr. Nguyen! From my first consultation through surgery and post-surgery, she consistently made me feel like the most important patient she was working with. I never felt rushed in our meetings, she always encouraged questions and her expertise and passion for this work shined in all of her answers. Choosing a surgeon and choosing to have surgery can be scary, but there was a calm that came over me every time I met with her. I'm so happy with her natural results and her attention to detail.
Katherine G.Mommy Makeover