History of breast cancer on both sides of family, should I still get implants?

Question

Can I get implants or breast fat transfer even though my family from both sides have had breast cancer

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There is no concrete yes or no answer to this question. This is a decision that you have to decide what is right for you.  Many women with family breast cancer history have implants.  They will not prevent you from having screening and/or diagnostic tests for your breast health.  Fat transfer can be problematic during mammograms. Have you spoken to your OB/Gyn or PCP about BRCA testing to determine your risk of developing certain types of cancer? I encourage you to have discussions with the physician you see regularly for breast health as well as a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

The details of your family history of breast cancer are important. The number of persons in the family who had breast cancer, how old they were when they were diagnosed, and the circumstances of the breast cancer itself are critical details. If your family members were diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, your primary care provider should consider referring you to a geneticist to determine if there is a genetic disorder in the family (like BRCA gene mutations). If you have a genetic disorder that places you at significantly higher risk of breast cancer then the general population, it is important to know this prior to any breast surgery.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Don't get fat transfer . The fat will become lumpy and you will be left with trying to figure out if any if the lumps could possibly be cancer.  Get saline implants under the muscle

Riaz Agha, MBBS, DPhil(Oxon), FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question. There is no proven link between breast implants and/or fat transfer and breast cancer.
Some points to note:
1. self exams are important2. mammograms once you are of screening age or at a doctors direction3. long term follow-up with your clinician and surveillance4. the prompt investigation of any lump or symptoms you experience.5. Good radiologists can still assess a breast to a high standard even with an implant and/or fat transfer having occurred. 
I wish you best of luck with your onward journey.

History of breast cancer on both sides of family, should I still get implants?

Answers (10)

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: History of breast cancer on both sides of family, should I still get implants?

Answer: History of breast cancer on both sides of family, should I still get implants?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

History of breast cancer on both sides of family, should I still get implants?

Answers (10)

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: History of breast cancer on both sides of family, should I still get implants?

Answer: History of breast cancer on both sides of family, should I still get implants?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.