Breast Implants Q&A
80%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
1,008 Reviews
Breast Implantsbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Breast Implants Cost: $6,000

Learn about Breast Implants

4,915 people and 831 doctors are talking about Breast Implants

Get Free Email Updates

Saline Breast Implants Safe for Microcalcifications and Mammogram?

asked 2 years ago by RVnME in Massachusetts
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 684 times
Tags: age 35-44, breasts, female, saline implants, safety

I am 42 years old and was told when I wa 39 that I have microcalcifications in both breasts. I have annual mammograms and there is no change in my tissue. I'm considering saline breast augmentation. Should I be concerned about microcalcifications and visibilty on mammograms with saline implants?

4 answers to Saline Breast Implants Safe for Microcalcifications and Mammogram?

+1

Implants and microcalcifications

 Saline implants usually do not impact mammograms as much as silicone implants. Of course not having an implant will always give a clearer image.  The best way to look at microcalcifications is by obtaining an MRI.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Saline Implants Microcalcifications and visibilty on mammograms

While the MRI is a MUCH better tool to detect breast pathology, the mammogram has been the standard in breast surveillance. If you want to have a 100% unobstructed / unaletered view of your breasts and potential worrisome areas, you should not have any breast implants placed (and especially do not consider fat grafting to the breasts which INCREASES microcalcifications). Saline implants are largely transparent to the radiation of mammograms and with special displacement (EKLUND) views,... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Microcalcifications and breast augmentation

All breast implants will block some of the mammogram beams and therefor can miss areas of the breast. Certain techniques are used to visualize as much of the breast tissue as possible. Regardless of having calcifications or not that is the case. This is the information but only you can decide if you will or will not have implants based on this information.
John P. Stratis, MD

Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation and mammograms

Depending on the relative proportion of your breast to implant size, it may be more difficult to visualize anywhere from 5-15% of the breast tissue on a mammogram. This can be lowered by placing the implant under the muscle. Some
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question