I am 52 with 32A fibrosis breasts and I have hypo pigment issues. Am I a candidate for Breast Implants? What are the risks?

At
size 32 A each 100 cc’s of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. To achieve a size C, you would require 200 cc
implants. I always recommend small round
textured silicone gel implants placed retro-pectoral since they look and feel
more natural, are more stable, less likely to ripple or have complications
needing revision. Implant profile is
irrelevant in the retro-pectoral position since the muscle compresses it. Implants placed in the retro-pectoral
position will not interfere with your mammograms.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

From your description, it sounds like you would be a good candidate for breast augmentation. You should have a mammogram prior to surgery and continue monthly self-exams. Mammography can be less sensitive with implants in place and requires a displacement technique which is routine these days. Breast self-exam is not hindered by implants.  You should see a board-certified plastic surgeon with considerable experience with augmentation surgery for consultation to discuss things more fully. Best of luck.

Dear Cathy,    It sounds like you can be a very good candidate for breasts augmentation as long as your mammograms were fine and you do not have immediate family history of breast cancer. As far as the hypopigmentation, a subareola incision will be the best option for you, because if you lose pigmentation, you can always tattoo the area. In regard to risk, you are not at higher risk than anybody else , granted that your physical exam is fine and your internist cleared you for surgery. That is routine in my practice for patients at your age. Assumming that you are 32 A cup, to achieve a 32 C cup  you will need roughly between 275 cc to 325 cc, depending on your exact measurements. Always, consult with board certifies plastic surgeons and check thei before and after pictures to make sure that you like the results . Also, make sure that the pictures are numerous and consistent.               Best of luck,                                       Dr Widder

Thank you for the question. Breast augmentation is a safe procedure in healthy individuals who are good candidates for it. You may need to get a medical clearance before surgery.Breast implants usually do not mask breast tissue from being seen on mammogram however if the breast tissue cannot be adequately evaluated then other techniques or other modalities such as ultrasound or MRI can be used for screening. I would highly recommend seeing a Board Certified Plastic surgeon to give you specific advice.Best of luck...

Being older, small and with fibrous breasts does not increase your risks from a breast augmentation. As far as post procedure mammography, it has been shown that there is no difference in finding breast cancer or the stage of any breast cancer found after breast implants if the mammogram is a diagnostic one (3 or more views), not a screening one (2 views) is done.

Thank you for your question.  You need to consult your breast physician and a board certified plastic surgeon for a proper answer to your question.In patients with significant fibrocystic disease which requires frequent biopsies many plastic surgeons would defer doing breast augmentation.  The concern is potential damage to the implant with even carefully guided needle biopsies.In addition should capsular contraction occur mammography can be interfered with.While some plastic surgeons might ignore these issues your interests are best served by following the advice of your breast physician who follows your fibrocystic disease.