Is it bad to have a breast lift done if you are predisposed to breast cancer?

Question

Iwouldliketogeta breast lift done however, my grandma had breast cancer and I heard it skips a generation. If I get a breast lift 1. would the lift make it make it harder to detect breast cancer and 2. would the breast lift in some weird way "cause" breast cancer? Also, my friend told me that what some woman do to avoid the possibly of getting breast cancer, is to have their natural breast tissue removed and get implants. She said it's a way of "preventing" getting breast cancer. Is this true?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk, although there is not any information that a breast lift increases current chances for breast cancer. Occasionally, minor complications occur and
do not affect the surgical outcome. Major complications associated with this
procedure are rare. The suitability of the breast lift procedure and specific
risks may be determined during your consultation. Consult your surgeon with your concerns, and make sure you are comfortable with proceeding before scheduling your procedure.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Having a breast lift does not increase the risk of getting breast cancer and typically does not complicate the detection of a breast cancer.  Most often a mastectomy and a reconstruction is not indicated unless one has a specific genetic mutation (BRCA 1/2) or a very strong family history of breast cancer.

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

Breast Lift or augmentation do not increase the risk of breast cancer. 7% of all women will develop breast cancer independent of breast cosmetic surgery. MRI remains the best examination for detecting breast cancer and may in the future replace mammography. Mammography with ultrasound can help in detection with dense breast tissue, but MRI is better. Bottom line if you want to get a lift, go for it... good luck!!

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no evidence to indicate that having a Breast lift will increase the likelihood of individual's chances in the future of having breast cancer.      Also, having a breast lift does not preclude the requirement for women to have mammographies done on a routine basis to detect  breast cancer.    Mammography still quite effective after breast  lift and breast reduction surgery.At the same time, having prophylactic mastectomy, which is what your friend is probably talking about, is likely overkill  in case of healthy woman without a strong genetic or family history of breast cancer.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

A breast lift should not increase your risks of getting breast cancer, nor make it more difficult to detect. Consult with 3 experienced and expert board certified plastic surgeons to understand your options.

Is it bad to have a breast lift done if you are predisposed to breast cancer?

Answers (5)