Breast Augmentation Even with Fibrocystic Breasts?

Many women with breast implants have some fibrocystic disease. The implants should be placed under the muscle for better viewing of the breast for the radiologist. However, it is important to consult with your gynecologist and whoever is following you for your fibrocystic disease, along with your board certified plastic surgeon to determine if you are a candidate for breast augmentation.

I would discuss this in consultation with an oncologic breast surgeon. Furthermore, you may want to consider a baseline MRI, this is the most sensitive test for detecting breast disease. I would recommend that my patients be advised to undergo placement under the muscle rather than over. I have been told my by radiologist colleagues that it is easier to visualize the breast on mammograms when the implant is under the muscle.

Hi there-
I think that if you are a few years away from children that this need not be a deterrent to your pursuit of breast enhancement surgery.
The fibrocystic changes in your breasts may or may not be more of a concern. It sounds like surveillance of your breasts is already a bit difficult, and thus the need for ultrasounds rather than mammograms (or in addition to them). Other possible variables to consider are whether or not you have a family history of breast cancer, who was affected, and at what age. It would also be important to discuss this with your gynecologist and/or the radiologist who does your ultrasounds to see what their level of concern would be, as implants of all types and in all locations will make certain exams more difficult. This is more significant with implants on top of the chest muscle (so I definitely recommend placing them under your muscle given your circumstances).
If your radiologist and gynecologist feel adequate surveillance can be achieved with implants under your muscle (this should be likely) and that your risk is low (depends on family history), I would think you are a reasonable candidate.
If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, and your other physicians believe that placing implants would create an unacceptable risk of missing a significant finding within your breasts, then it may not be a good option for you (this would be very rare).
Find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with a lot of experience in breast surgery, a good reputation, and a comfortable personality for you (it is a relationship, after all), and discuss it with them.

Thank you for the question.Fibrocystic breasts generally do not affect your ability to undergo breast augmentation surgery. My best advice: select your plastic surgeon carefully (make sure that he/she is a board-certified plastic surgeon can demonstrate lots of examples achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with) and communicate your goals carefully as well. Best wishes.

Many patients with fibrocystic disease undergo breast augmentation. If you are concerned, then I would suggest seeing a general breast surgeon and seek out his/her opinion.  A baseline mammogram may not be a bad idea first.