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

It depends on the advice of your surgeon. If they suggest you get one, then you should. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, then you may be asked to get one. If not, then you probably won't need one.

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  This a great question, which is often asked by patients.  There is no link to breast implants, either saline or silicone, and cancer.  All supporting literature has demonstrated this fact and no association with cancer, autoimmune disorders, or autoinflammatory disorders.  Mammograms are safe and recommended. It is known that women are more in tune with their breasts and more diligent with examination and feeling/knowing the contour of her breasts, thus able to identify any abnormality sooner, with breast procedures.  Imaging studies of the breasts are similar to imaging without breast implants and cancers are not hidden either by the presence of breast implants.  It is true that with breast implants do obscure a portion of the breast during imaging studies, but with the Eklund displacement views, which should be done when having mammograms with breast implants, there is minimal change.  I typically recommend a preoperative mammogram prior to breast surgery, since the architecture of the breast will change - but it will be your choice at your age.  You should remain proactive with your monthly self examination, annual clinical examination, and mammograms beginning at age 40 (unless family history, as directed by the Radiological Society), and annually thereafter.  If there is anything concerning on mammogram, other imaging modalities would be utilized, including ultrasound and/or MRI.  Best wishes!  Hope that this helps!

    The mammogram does not need to be done in a person 19 years of age prior to breast lift surgery.  The breasts are extraordinarily dense at this age, and the mammogram is of little utility from a diagnostic point of view.  If you have any mass that you have noticed, other imaging may be appropriate.  Good luck.