Do You Have to Get a Mammogram Before a Breast Lift?

A mammogram is not required before the age of 35 unless there is a reason to do so such as the presence of a lump, strong family history, genetic tendency, history of radiation as a child to this area, etc.

Hello LindseyMarie,

As a woman board certified plastic surgeon, with a family history of breast cancer, I take a conservative approach to breast cancer screening in elective breast surgery- even for women your age.

Here are my suggestions:

1.  learn how to do a self breast exam.  Talk to your primary care physician and/or your OB-GYN for instruction on how to do this monthly. This is something you will want to know how to do going forward, monthly

2.  once you are familiar with the texture and contours of your breasts, you will want to seek medical advice if you should feel a nodule or lump in your breasts

3.  do you have a sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, family member who has had breast cancer?

4.  if the answer is "YES," then you should discuss with your doctor the value of getting~

         a)  one baseline mammogram, even at your age, in advance of surgery

         b)  possibly some additional tests that could gauge your risk factors   

              for developing breast cancer

5.  what are your GOALS for surgery?  How do you know that a breast lift is the solution?

        a)  often times a lady will think she needs a breast lift when, in fact, she  really is not a candidate for that particular procedure, or is a better candidate for something else

       b)  try to define YOUR goal and then, go for a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon so that you can learn all of your options and choose the one that is really right for you.

* GOOD HEALTH FIRST ~ ELECTIVE SURGERY SECOND*

Thanks for asking!  Dr Ellen