Mammogram w/ breast lift? (photo)

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. In the absence of a personal or family history of breast cancer, an ultrasound should be ok before breast lift. Discuss this with your board certified plastic surgeon.

We usually recommend mammogram before breast procedures in patients 40 years old or sooner if family or personal history of breast cancer.

Screening to ensure no existing issues so no breast treatments after a lift, which may jeopardize results.

If patients decline mammogram screening pre op, a waiver can be signed by the patient accepting any responsibility for future adverse findings.

If your are a candidate for screening mammograms under the current best practices, then yes, you would need a mammogram prior to proceeding for a baseline and to detect any potential pathology prior to proceeding with surgery.

Mammography is not essential for preop breast evaluation in our breast lift technique called Pushup Lift. In this technique there is no scar inside breast tissue so you can have post follow up easily with US imaging.

Thank you for your question. Breast ultrasound is perfectly ok prior to the surgery instead of a mammogram. In some cases where the patients have dense breasts, ultrasound gives a much better and clear results than mammograms.

Hello! Great question.
When it comes to mammograms with breast lifts, it is ultimately going to be up to the surgeon who is performing your surgery & their protocols. For example, our office requires a mammogram for a breast lift on a patient if they: are 40 years old or older, have a family history of breast cancer (any age), or personal history of breast cancer (any age). If they do not meet any of these criteria, they do not need a mammogram for a breast lift. Mammograms are required by many doctors, as we put patient safety as our #1 priority. Good luck!

Dear Intellectual25050,

every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question. If you are younger than 40 years old and have no family history of breast issues or any abnormal findings, some surgeons may allow a breast ultrasound instead of a mammogram. However, if there are concerns about abnormalities in the breast tissue, a mammogram will be necessary. It's important to find a surgeon who is comfortable accepting an ultrasound as an alternative to a mammogram. Additionally, obtaining a letter from your primary doctor or radiologist stating that an ultrasound is sufficient for your breast screening can be helpful.

Hi, if you’re not over 35 years the ultrasound will be enough unless your USG reveals masses that should be investigated. In that case, of course you should do every test needed. I hope this helps you

Thank you for your query. I prefer an MRI, if a mammogram is a problem, as a screening modality. However, if you are of the appropriate age and of low risk, an ultrasound may be adequate, in addition to a physical examination. Please find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!