Will leaving the implant capsule (under muscle) interfere with mammograms?

Question

I am having my saline breast implants removed. They are under the muscle. My plastic surgeon is not removing the capsule; he said that it will eventually dissolve in my body. Will this scar tissue interfere with mammograms? Will the capsule hide any possible tumors?

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Because the capsule is behind the muscle it is not likely to interfere with mammograms. Your surgeon should however make sure that the muscle is re-attached, which will also help the capsule to close up and heal.

Tracey H. Stokes, MD · Answer

A normal capsule is very thin and should not interfere with mammogram.  Also the Mammogram focuses on the breast tissue above the muscle not what is underneath the muscle.  If there is any concern in your breast screening down the line, Ultrasound, 3D mammogram or MRI are useful additional studies.

Victor Urzola, MD · Answer

Just like the presence of a breast implant shouldn't interfere with a mammogram and the correct diagnosis of breast cancer, the capsule should not interfere with a mammogram.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If the capsule was thin, it will likely resorb and likely should not impact your mammograms to any significant extent.

Lynn D. Derby, MD (retired) · Answer

With under the muscle implants, the capsules are behind the breast tissue and muscle, so they won't get in the way of mammograms or breast exams.  As long as they are not thick and calcified, they are expected to resolve on their own after implant removal.

Will leaving the implant capsule (under muscle) interfere with mammograms?

Answers (5)