Is a mammogram less effective after 'under the muscle- breast implants'?

Question

How difficult is it to monitor Benign Microcalcifications in the breast, if the Patient has under the muscle Breast Implants? Would the Implant, although under the muscle, still make it more difficult to take clear images during a Mammogram?

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Implants, regardless of plane, should not necessarily impact the effectiveness of a mammogram. They have become so ubiquitous/common that most breast radiologists have grown increasingly comfortable evaluating films in their presence.That being said, a submuscular implant sits behind the breast mound. Thus, the impact on imaging is even further reduced. It should also be noted that, MRI (the most sensitive and specific breast imaging modality) is unaffected by implants.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Sepehr Lajevardi, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

Hi Abigrisk, Although a subpectoral implant would not obscure the view of the breast on a mammogram it is often more difficult obtaining good images after breast augmentation given the breasts can not be flatten in mammography. It is often recommended to use Ultrasound and/or MRI for screening if this is the case. You should discuss this with your doctor.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

When placing  breast implants behind the chest muscle, the implant interferes less with your mammogram than in front of the muscle. With over 300,000 women having breast augmentations each year, most radiologists have experience reading these mammograms. Likewise, the placement does not interfere with a manual breast exam by you or your gynecologist.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and AuthorRealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Additional views may be taken with any implant placement but if performed at a breast cancer speciality hospital, and read by dedicated breast radiologists, any benign micocalcs should be able to be followed.  If for some reason they can not, then MRIs would be the next course of action.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Dreamingofchange31,
I almost always place implants submuscular. It lowers the rate of capsular contracture significantly. In addition, it looks much more natural because the muscle provides covering over the implant so its not as round on the top. I've also noticed the implants drop less over time when they are protected under the muscle. If the implants are placed under the muscle,they won't interfere with mammograms. 
Daniel Barrett, MD

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Advantages of 
submuscular placement of the implant is less likelihood for capsule formation,
more natural look and less rippling/implant visibility. As there is a
layer of muscle separating the implant from the breast tissue, there will also
be less interference with mammograms. 
Best
wishes and good luck,
Pejman
Aflaki, M.D. Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Is a mammogram less effective after 'under the muscle- breast implants'?

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Answer: Is a mammogram less effective after 'under the muscle- breast implants'?

Answer: Is a mammogram less effective after 'under the muscle- breast implants'?

Answer: Implant position

Answer: Implant position

Answer: Is a mammogram less effective after 'under the muscle- breast implants'?

Answer: Is a mammogram less effective after 'under the muscle- breast implants'?

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Is a mammogram less effective after 'under the muscle- breast implants'?

Answers (7)

Answer: Is a mammogram less effective after 'under the muscle- breast implants'?

Answer: Is a mammogram less effective after 'under the muscle- breast implants'?

Answer: Implant position

Answer: Implant position

Answer: Is a mammogram less effective after 'under the muscle- breast implants'?

Answer: Is a mammogram less effective after 'under the muscle- breast implants'?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.