Breast cancer checking?

Hello,
Yes, I would still recommend self exams once a month. You are looking for a lump like a piece of corn in mashed potatoes. When you are ready for mammograms, simply tell the clinic beforehand that you have implants.
All the best,
Dr. Joe

Hello,

Thank you for the question.

Women who have breast implants for cosmetic augmentation should have regular screening mammograms. Always tell the staff at the mammogram facility if you have breast implants, both when you make the appointment and when you arrive for your appointment.

An implant can block the view of the surrounding breast tissues, which can make it harder to detect breast cancer on a mammogram. To help make more of the tissue visible, the technician will take extra pictures during a screening mammogram called “implant displacement views.”

The technician will gently push the implant back against the chest wall and pull more of the breast tissue forward before compressing the breast. It’s also important to know that if you have silicone gel-filled breast implants (whether for reconstruction or cosmetic augmentation), the FDA recommends that you have periodic imaging with MRI or ultrasound to screen for implant rupture. The first MRI or ultrasound should be performed five or six years after implant surgery, and then every two or three years after that.

I hope this helps.
Best regards, Dr. Karanetz

Dr. Irena Karanetz
Breast Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Queens, New York
(516) 833 0309

Dear Dls1213,
you are still able to do self examination, ultrasound and mammography after BA. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Implants can easily handle the pressure (up to 40 pounds ) from the mammography machine, implants are displaced out of harms way, and 2 extra views are performed. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Hello and thank you for your question! Yes, you still want to make sure you are doing regular self-breast exams with the implants in. Any changes you notice you will want to bring that to the attention of your Dr.. As for mammograms, you will also continue to have a yearly mammogram. You will notify the tech that is getting your mammogram that you have breast implants. If the mammogram cannot get a good read, they will suggest you have an ultrasound.

We have a few decades of data that answers that question: implants present a challenge to a thorough mammogram, especially with implants over the muscle, however standardized additional views allow sufficient visualization of the breast tissue. This is confirmed by epidemiological data showing that women diagnosed with breast cancer have no difference in survival when the diagnosis was made with or without implants in place.

It's great that you're doing research ahead of your breast augmentation! Here’s what you need to know about breast health and cancer screening with implants:
Self-Exams
1. Continue Self-Checks: It's essential to continue performing self-breast exams even after getting implants. You should still check for lumps or any changes in your breast tissue. While the implants can make it a bit harder to feel the breast tissue, being familiar with your body can help you notice any changes.
2. Technique: Use your fingers to feel around the implants and the surrounding tissue, paying attention to any unusual bumps, hardness, or changes in shape. Consult with your plastic surgeon on the best technique for your specific type of implants.
Mammograms
1. Mammograms with Implants: You can still get mammograms after breast augmentation, but the presence of implants may require special techniques:
o Additional Views: The radiologist might use specialized imaging techniques, like "implant displacement views," which help to get a clearer image of the breast tissue around the implants.
o Inform Your Radiologist: Always inform the mammography facility that you have implants. They may have specific protocols in place for women with breast implants.
2. Consult with Your Doctor: Before your surgery, discuss your breast health concerns and family history with your doctor. They can provide recommendations on when to start screening and how to monitor your breast health after augmentation.
Other Considerations
• Breast Tissue and Implant Type: The type of implants (saline vs. silicone) and their placement (above or below the muscle) can affect mammogram results and how much breast tissue is visible.
• Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your breast health and discuss any concerns you may have.
It’s crucial to stay proactive about your breast health, whether you have implants or not. Regular self-exams, timely mammograms, and open communication with your healthcare providers will help ensure you can monitor your breast health effectively. If you have more questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare providers!

the implant is placed behind the breast or behind the breast and muscle so you can continue to do your self checks monthly as suggested. Any exam or test for breast cancer can still be done with implants. For women with implants, the tech will push the implant when getting mammograms.

This is a great question! It is important that all women perform monthly breast exams regardless of the presence of implants. You will still be able to feel your breast tissue after your implants are in place. Regular mammograms can still be performed as recommended by your breast health specialist. Just be sure to mention that you have implants during your mammogram. Technicians are generally very familiar with how to properly obtain imaging for those with implants.

That is an excellent question. Studies have shown that having implants above the muscle makes it more difficult to get a good mammogram than if implants are below the muscle. However, even below the muscle, mammograms are slightly poorer quality. However, having implants in will IMPROVE your breast self-exam, i.e., looking for your own lumps and bumps. As long as you do monthly breast self-exams and do mammograms as recommended, you should be able to find breast disease as easy or easier than not having implants. I do lots of breast cancer reconstruction. Many patients who have a one-sided mastectomy will many times want an implant on the opposite side, even though they may be at a higher risk of breast cancer. I will gladly place implant on the opposite side, and explain the importance of breast self-exam along with mammograms.
Enjoy your breast implants!!