Do I need a mammogram before breast augmentation?

Question

I have my procedure scheduled next month and haven't done a mammogram. I've just turned 36 and don't have a history of breast cancer in my family, I will do one 6months after procedure but I'm planning a trip and am in a hurry

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This is a topic that comes up often and I think you will find a variety of answers out there. The American Cancer Society states that for women of "average risk" they should be offered mammograms starting at 40 with yearly screenings starting at 45 standard. For women with higher risk, they recommend screening earlier and considering MRI when necessary. For your situation, you would not meet the criteria for early screening but every surgeon has his or her own preference in this situation. I would think that if you have any concerns, it would be better safe than sorry and just have a mammogram prior to surgery to make sure there are not any suspicious concerns prior to proceeding with breast surgery. The issue is that if you get one 6 months after surgery and there are suspicious findings, the question of whether it was there before surgery or is a result of surgery may be raised and then if there is no baseline to compare to there is no way to know the answer to this question. This may put you at risk of having unnecessary biopsies or imaging workup to diagnose the findings. Hope this helps!

Jonathan D. Kramer, MD · Answer

Unless you are in a high risk group for breast cancer, the earliest current recommended age for a mammogram is 40 (although there are conflicting guidelines from the leading medical groups, with some groups recommending mammograms starting age 45-50).  In our practice we would not require a mammogram before or 6 months after for a woman in your situation.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,The science is very clear: mammograms are not beneficial to women younger than 45 to 50 (ACS versus the USPTF)'Better safe than sorry' should not be coming from the mouth of a surgeon, someone that should perform best practices based in clinical research, not emotion. 'Talk to your surgeon' is also not acceptable, especially if that surgeon also makes emotional decisions that are not based in science.Bottom line: no mammogram before your surgery, and no mammogram necessary afterward until age 45 to 50. Best of luck!

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I think it's better to be safe than sorry. I currently recommend mammograms for women 33 years and older before breast surgery. I would agree with the other doctors that each MD has their own protocol for breast imaging. Your plastic surgeons opinion is the most important so you should discuss this with him. Best, Dr. Aldo

Charles Galanis, MD · Answer

As I am sure you are gathering form this forum, each surgeon will have his or her own recommendations.  For women with average risk of breast cancer (most women), the American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms beginning at age 45.  If you are a higher risk patient (example: significant family history of breast cancers), you may need to begin screening sooner.  These represent the updated guidelines from 2015.  Older recommendations advised patients to begin mammograms at age 40.  For this reason, many surgeons will ask patients 40 years and older to get mammograms before their surgery.  This is certainly reasonable.  For you specifically, unless you are a high risk patient, you should not require a mammogram at age 36 prior to breast augmentation surgery.

Rigo J. Mendoza, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Different surgeons have different recommendation so you should definitely check with your surgeon to see what their recommendations are.  I usually recommend mammograms for patients 40 and older or 35 and older if there is a family history.

Nathan W. Patterson, MD, FACS · Answer

Most plastic surgeons recommend a preop mammogram if you have a personal or strong family history of breast cancer OR if you are age 40+.  Since these risk factors do not seem to apply in your case, your surgeon probably has no reason to ask for a mammogram and you probably do not need one.  Ultimately I would do what you feel comfortable doing.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Some surgeons may request a mammogram if you are age 40 and over. However, because you are 36, your surgeon may have not felt it was necessary based on your history. Every surgeon has their own protocols. If you are concerned, you can always speak with your surgeon or family physician. Regards,

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

A mammagram would provide a baseline view of your breasts before surgery. Some surgeons do like to obtain a mammagram before doing an augmentation on all patients. However, without any family history of breast cancer, and no history of breast problems with you, it may not be necessary. I would suggest asking your surgeon what he/she prefers.

Michael H. Wojtanowski, MD · Answer

Each surgeon has their own guidelines m but, in general, if you are under 40 years old, with a negative family or personal history of breast cancer ,you could proceed without a mammogram. You need to discuss this with your surgeon ,making sure your surgeon is a board- certified plastic surgeon .I hope this helps your decision making process.

Do I need a mammogram before breast augmentation?

Answers (13)

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