I was told I have extremely dense breasts. I wanted to get breast implants. Will I not be able to have this procedure?

Question

I recently went for my baseline mammo because I was going to have a breast augmentation. I learned that I have extremely dense breasts. I was told they are very busy. I have to go fo a biopsy because of the calcification in my left breast. I also was told I have many cysts in which I would need a follow up ultrasound in 6 months. Clearly my health comes first. But if the biopsy comes back benign would I still be able to go through with these procedure? also I'm 37 years old

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

As long as you've been cleared by the radiologist and primary care doctors, you should be good to go for the breast augmentation!  A good detailed consultation is required with a board certified plastic surgeon before the procedure.
Thanks for your question!
Dr. Schreiber, Baltimore plastic surgeon

Keith Hodge, MD · Answer

Dense breasts do not make you ineligible for a breast augmentation if your upcoming tests are all normal. A breast augmentation does not increase your risk for developing a breast disorder. It will also not prevent future surveillance of cystic breasts, especially if the implants are placed behind the muscle. Good luck!

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Dense breast tissue is not a contraindication to breast augmentation. As long as you are healthy, your dense breast tissue should not be an issue. Candidates should be healthy. You should also have a clear screening mammogram within 6 months of surgery.Implants will not significantly impact breast cancer surveillance going forward (especially when placed submuscular). MRI, the most sensitive and specific imaging study, is unaffected by the presence of implants. In light of the ubiquitous nature of implants, nowadays, most dedicated breast radiologists are very comfortable interpreting studies with implants in place.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If your biopsy is benign, you should be able to then have your augmentation if you choose. Having implants will help spread out your very dense tissue. Over time, dense tissue becomes less dense as hormones change. Dense tissue does not prevent women from having implants. Also, implants are placed behind your breasts and will not interfere with future exams.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Dense breasts are not a contraindication to breast augmentation surgery.  However it is very important to have completion of the biopsies and any other studies of the breast and make certain that you have no abnormalities of the breast before proceeding.

I was told I have extremely dense breasts. I wanted to get breast implants. Will I not be able to have this procedure?

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Answer: I was told I have extremely dense breasts. I wanted to get breast implants. Will I not be able to have this procedure?

Answer: I was told I have extremely dense breasts. I wanted to get breast implants. Will I not be able to have this procedure?

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I was told I have extremely dense breasts. I wanted to get breast implants. Will I not be able to have this procedure?

Answers (5)

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

Answer: I was told I have extremely dense breasts. I wanted to get breast implants. Will I not be able to have this procedure?

Answer: I was told I have extremely dense breasts. I wanted to get breast implants. Will I not be able to have this procedure?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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