Should I get a mammogram done before breast fat transfer?

In 2006, ASPS approved fat grafting of the breasts when it was determined that it presented no different risk of calcification on mammogram compared to other breast procedures, and that those calcifications did not obscure potential early cancer visualization. Your own breast tissue presents the biggest obstacle to seeing early breast cancer. No Mammogram!

Fat transfer to the breasts is a nice procedure. In my experience, it usually provides great results.

As the transferred fat settles, scar tissue and/or calcifications may develop in a small number of cases. Having a pre op mammogram as a baseline is a plus to compare future changes with can be helpful and may avoid biopsy.

If you cannot get a pre op mammogram, you can still have fat transfer and be followed by post op exams. The majority of fat transfer patients do very well and avoid implants.

Discussion with your plastic surgeon is recommended.

I am not sure that the data has been collected on rate of calcification, and then the issue becomes whether that is clinically significant. The calcifications can be discerned from those for malignancy by most radiologists. Do not let this deter you from considering fat transfer breast augmentation.

If you go by the standard criteria there is no reason to get a mammogram before fat transfer. However it is inexpensive and very low risk to get one. If it will give you some reassurance it might be worth getting.

Dear Good1252,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I would suggest getting the mammagram so that you have something to compare should an issue arise from the fat transfer.

I would definitely recommend you to get a mammogram on your breast prior to your breast fat grafting to see if there is any event. It won't be the information to predict the possibility of getting calcification, but it is highly recommended to see the condition of your breast prior to the surgery.

You are not required to have a mammogram at your age prior to an breast procedure. Every surgeon has their own requirements, but I feel that you should not be required to have a mammogram until age 40.
Best wishes,
Dr. T

Some plastic surgeons may recommend mammograms on young women. I typically do not encourage women to get mammograms unless it’s indicated based on age or breast cancer risk. Patients who have increased risk for breast cancer and mammograms (when mammograms may be indicated before the age of 45) should consider not having this procedure.

Microcalcifications due to fat necrosis from fat transfer have not been a major problem for radiologist detecting breast cancer.

Some plastic surgeons may recommend all patients get mammograms before. there are advantages and disadvantage is to cancer screening. Fat transfer does not increase the chance of developing breast cancer so I stay with the community standard which is starting mammograms annually at age 45 for most women.

You’re certainly welcome to schedule a mammogram if you would like.

I suggest focusing your efforts on finding the most skilled and experienced plastic surgeon for this procedure and then follow his or her recommendations.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD