Can I Get a Normal Mammogram After Breast Implants?

Thank you for your question. Yes, however it is very important that tell the radiologist you have breast implants before the mammogram procedure. There have been several reports of implants rupturing when the breast is compressed for mammography. It’s important to visit a radiologist who is familiar with mammography of augmented breasts. Your surgeon can suggest a suitable specialist.Dhaval M. Patel Double board certifiedPlastic surgeonHoffman EstatesBarringtonOakbrook Chicago

Mammograms are important and there is no change in recommendations following a Breast lift with or without a breast augmentation with implants.

Thank you for your question.  It is important that patients continue to go for routine mammograms even after having a breast augmentation procedure.  Mammograms are still safe for patients with breast implants, but it is important to inform the technologist at the mammography center.  Your technologists may make some modifications to allow for the best visualization of your breast tissue, but most mammography centers are very familiar with imaging patients breasts who have breast implants.  I do recommend that patients call their mammogram centers in advance to inform them that they have implants just in case!  Best of luck!

It’s extremely important that breast augmentation
patients continue to follow standard mammography guidelines. Surveillance for
breast cancer is extremely important and the presence of breast implants
shouldn’t prevent this from happening.

When mammography is performed on patients who have
undergone breast augmentation, specialized techniques are utilized. These
techniques utilize compression and displacement to move the implant away from
the breast tissue. In addition, specialized views are used to help visualize
the breast tissue. When these methods are utilized, the presence of an implant
doesn’t change the effectiveness of mammography. It’s also important to
understand that mammography doesn’t damage breast implants in any way.

It’s important for breast augmentation patients to have
their mammograms performed in radiology centers that have experience with these
specialized techniques. Rarely, additional studies may be necessary. In some
cases, patients may require MRI’s to further evaluate their breast tissue.

It’s important to discuss this issue with your plastic
surgeon. If you’re concerned about breast cancer surveillance,
your surgeon should be able to clarify this issue. 

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  This a great question, which is often asked by patients.  There is no link to breast implants, either saline or silicone, and cancer.  All supporting literature has demonstrated this fact and no association with cancer, autoimmune disorders, or autoinflammatory disorders.  It is known that women are more in tune with their breasts and more diligent with examination and feeling/knowing the contour of her breasts, thus able to identify any abnormality sooner.  Imaging studies of the breasts are similar to imaging without breast implants and cancers are not hidden either by the presence of breast implants.  It is true that with breast implants may obscure a portion of the breast during imaging studies, but still nearly 98% of the breast tissue.  With the Eklund displacement views, which should be done when having mammograms with breast implants, there is minimal change.  You should remain proactive with your monthly self examination, annual clinical examination, and mammograms beginning at age 40 (unless family history, as directed by the Radiological Society), and annually thereafter.  If there is anything concerning on mammogram, other imaging modalities would be utilized, including ultrasound and/or MRI.  Best wishes!  Hope that this helps!

Almost all mammography centers in 2011 are educated on the techniques to perform mammograms on women with breast implants. The technique known as the Eklund implant displacement technique has been around for many years and should be standard at all centers.

Women should continue recommended breast cancer screening after breast augmentation.  The center should know implants are in place because it effects the technique.  Nevertheless, the study is just as accurate with implants in place.

Telisha,
Yes you can still get mammograms after breast augmentation. They can still see good results as long as the mammography center is familiar with the necessary technique modifications involved in adjustments to allow for visualization of breast tissues. You are at no additional risk for breast cancer with implants nor are you at additional risk for it going undetected. Please take some time to find the right center (and don't pick it out of convenience to your home exclusively). Best of luck in this endeavor,
Best Wishes,
DoctorMeade

To evaluate breast after breast implants your options are:

Self examination
Mammogram with modified compression (Eklund) views
MRI (preferred for silicone implants)

Patients express concern with the trauma of a mammogram, but in my 15 years of experience, it is rare to have a patient present with a rupture after a mammogram. Ruptures are unusual with slow steady pressure but are more common from repeated bending and flexing (stress fatigue) called crease fold failure.
The benefits of a mammogram by far outweigh the disadvantages, so be sure to get yours as advised but do not forget the importance of self breast examination. You know your breast best!

Routine mammograms may not identify the entire breast parenchyma in patients with breast implants. There are several alternatives:

Eklund technique for mammograms- Be certain to inform your mammographer that you have breast implants and they will alter their standard technique to visualize more of the breast. This is known as the Eklund technique.
MRI: This is fast becoming the gold standard to visualize the entire breast. It is expensive and not covered by all insurance policies.

Patients with capsular contracture may not be able to detect all of their breast tissue with standard or Eklund mammograms. In severe cases, an MRI may be requested in order to maximize the sensitivity of the exam.