Breast cysts & dense tissue, can I not get an augmentation?

Question

I have very dense breast tissue on one breast & a few small lumps on the other, however they have been there for over ten years now & never have given me any trouble. No pain & haven’t really changed over time. The Doctor I was having my first consultation with ordered that I have a mammogram & ultrasound before we continue. The results were that I have a few benign cysts & dense tissue. Doc is refusing to operate on me unless they are removed first. Is this true?

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Without proper radilogy report and risks evaluation for BrCa, it would be impossible to give you good advice. Implant is placed underneath breast tissue and breast muscle, which is allowing proper breast imaging in the future. There is no data to support that implant augmentation increases the risk for breast cancer. Consultation with breast ocologyst and second opinion plastic surgery consult is recommended. Good luck.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Benign cysts are normal and do not require removal before breast augmentation. If you have a family history of breast cancer, biopsy may be a good idea before doing surgery.

James Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question. Before performing any breast surgery it is always prudent to investigate any masses as you did with mammogram and ultrasound. If the results have come back as benign cysts then you can still have a breast augmentation done. If however, you are planning to have the cysts removed, it is advised to have it removed prior to having a breast augmentation surgery to prevent risk of implant rupture, exposure, or infection. If you are not planning on having the cysts removed then breast augmentation can sometimes make the cysts/bumps more visible or palpable due to the added volume underneath pushing them outwards. Hope this helps.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

In my experience, if all is benign, usually I can proceed. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Brian Bassiri-Tehrani, MD · Answer

This is a good question. If you had a mammogram and an ultrasound indicating dense breast tissue and benign cysts that are not worrisome and do not require a biopsy for further investigation, it is acceptable to proceed with a breast augmentation. Even after implant augmentation, you can continue to do routine surveillance on breast tissue with periodic ultrasound and mammograms to follow up and ensure there are no changes. Having a surgery to remove dense breast tissue or benign cysts is not indicated unless there is a worrisome feature on exam or imaging that requires a biopsy. If a biopsy has already been done that suggests something worrisome, it is beneficial to remove the cyst and/or dense breast tissue prior to any elective cosmetic surgery. A strong family history of breast cancer is also an important factor that may require closer monitoring and closer surveillance of breast imaging periodically.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

You should speak with a breast specialist who could inform you about your lifetime risks of breast cancer due to your breast cysts and family history.  If you are at low risk, there should be no problem with you getting a breast augmentation.  If your cysts are large or prominent, the cysts may be more visible from the implant.  However, removing them could potentially leave contour irregularities on your breast.  A second opinion may be in order.  Best wishes.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, without an exam, radiology reports and further history it is hard to comment. My recommendation is to get another in person opinion with another surgeon to get further information and get another perspective.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tessabellarini,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

That's absolutely ridiculous. Benign cysts are not pre-malignant and dense breast tissue is desirable for breast implants. Please find a good surgeon.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

I would recommend another evaluation by a different plastic surgeon. From what you are describing, your mammogram and US sound to be just a normal variant. That should not stop your surgeon from performing a breast augmentation surgery.

Make certain you see a board certified plastic surgeon that specializes in breast implants.

Hope that helps.

Make certain you see a board certified plastic surgeon that specializes in breast implants.

Hope that helps.

Breast cysts & dense tissue, can I not get an augmentation?

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