Strong family history of breast cancer, do you think it's safe for me to have a breast augmentation?

Hi & thanks for your question!
Schedule a consultation with your gynecologist and your plastic surgeon to discuss the pros and cons of this surgery. Once you have all the information, you can make a decision if this surgery is best for you. Best wishes!

Hello, thank you for your question. There is no contraindication for getting a breast augmentation with a family history of breast cancer. With that said given your family history, it sounds like you are taking all the preemptive precautions and staying on top of things. I would speak to your OBGYN to see if this a good option and maybe you would have to undergo more MRIs if you were to get silicone implants. implants don't cause breast cancer, but sometimes the implants skew the tissue that makes ultrasound and mammogram difficult to pick up smaller lumps.

Thank you for your question. Statistically for you this procedure is safe but I believe I would discuss this with your primary care physician, your OBGYN, and the board-certified plastic surgeon of your choice. Regarding safety of a mammogram post-breast surgery, the average wait time is typically six months to a year. There are many facets to consider, not the least at which is your peace of mind. Be careful and good luck.

Hello,
Thank you for the question.
It should be safe for you to undergo breast augmentation surgery with the above BIRADS findings, but close follow up with imaging is typically recommended. I would also encourage an evaluation by a Breast Surgeon prior to undergoing surgery.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in order to discuss your goals and concerns for the best cosmetic results. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.
Best wishes and good luck.
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your question. Breast augmentation does not affect detection of breast cancer in the future. Certainly, regular follow ups as well as radiological imaging would be needed postoperatively as a routine. Additionally, depending on your anatomy and after discussion with the risks and benefits you may be a candidate for bilateral mastectomy with implant reconstruction with excellent results if you so wish.

Placement of the implant underneath the muscle will allow better breast tissue presentation and mammography screening in the future. It has been shown in multiple studies for over 50-60 years that breast implants do not increase risk of breast cancer. Further genetic screening/consultation is recommended before surgery. Good luck.

I completely understand your concerns and appreciate the fact that you are doing your homework prior to undergoing this procedure.
The fact that your mammogram is clean and you do not carry the BRCA mutations is a very good sign. A baseline mammogram is important if you do go ahead with breast augmentation and careful follow up with monthly breast self exam is an important habit for all women to have, and especially you with your family history. To complete your research, you may consider consultation with a genetic counselor. Generally speaking however, as long as you monitor yourself with breast self exam, exam by your plastic surgeon and or gynecologist, and undergo yearly mammograms , breast augmentation should be an option for you. I asked my breast augmentation patients to follow up with me on a yearly basis to not only check on the status of her implants but also any other issues. Best of luck!

Dear 11AB91,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

The presence of implants does not preclude you from regular breast cancer screenings. You are still able to have mammograms, ultrasounds, and other imaging to screen for breast cancer. We always advocate for you to continue with your screenings and self exams for your breast health. Typically it is best for you to have a mammogram soon prior to your surgery so that a baseline can be established as well as give you time to heal from surgery prior to the next scheduled screening.

Deciding whether or not to undergo breast augmentation surgery is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with a skilled healthcare provider. However, having a strong family history of breast cancer is an important factor to consider in this decision-making process.
Here are some points to consider:
1. Assessing your individual risk: A strong family history of breast cancer may indicate a higher risk for developing the disease yourself. It's important to discuss your family history with a healthcare provider who can help assess your individual risk based on factors such as the number of affected relatives, their ages at diagnosis, and whether any genetic mutations are present in the family.
2. Impact of breast implants on cancer detection: Breast implants, particularly silicone implants, can make it more challenging to detect breast cancer on mammograms. This is because implants can obscure a portion of the breast tissue, potentially making it more difficult to visualize abnormalities. However, advancements in imaging techniques, such as additional views or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can help improve cancer detection in women with breast implants.
3. Regular breast cancer screening: Regardless of whether or not you choose to undergo breast augmentation, regular breast cancer screening is essential for early detection. This typically includes annual clinical breast exams by a healthcare provider and periodic mammograms starting at the recommended age based on your individual risk profile.
4. Consultation with a breast surgeon: If you're considering breast augmentation and have concerns about your family history of breast cancer, it may be beneficial to consult with a breast surgeon or a healthcare provider experienced in breast health. They can provide recommendations based on your risk factors and help you make an informed decision.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo breast augmentation should take into account your individual circumstances, preferences, and concerns, including your family history of breast cancer. It's important to have open and honest discussions with your healthcare provider to weigh the potential benefits and risks and make the choice that feels right for you.