Does having Breast Implants affect having a mammogram?
It’s Breast Cancer awareness month!
Does having Breast Implants affect having a mammogram?
A woman with implants should follow the same breast-care guidelines as a woman without implants. That is, self-examination each month, and mammograms at the standard intervals- at age 35 then every year from 40 on. If there are implants, then the mammograms must be done in a special way in order to see the breast tissue effectively, so you have to tell the technician that you have implants. Mammograms on women with breast implants require extra shots and the technique is different, and it may takes the radiologist longer to read them. However, the benefit of the mammogram in finding cancer outweighs these minor extra steps.
How to perform a self breast examination:
Step 1-Stand in front of a mirror with the top half of your body unclothed.
Step 2-Place your hands on your hips.
Step 3-Push your hands into your hips to flex your breast muscles, which will help make changes in your breast tissue more visually evident.
Step 4- Look at your breasts for signs of dimpling, puckering, changes in color of the skin or swollen areas. Are your breasts shaped differently than usual? Are they red or swollen? Is there a rash on your breasts? If you answer yes to any of these questions, see your doctor.
Step 5-Look at your nipples for changes in appearance. Is a nipple in a different position than normal? Is a nipple inverted that used to not be? Is there a discharge coming out of your nipples? If you answer yes to any of these questions, see your doctor.
Step 6- Lift your arms above your head, which will change the position of the breast tissues. Look at your breasts in the mirror and look for the same changes mentioned above.
Make sure you perform a self examination once a month and have a mammogram as recommended for your age.
For any other breast implant related questions, or questions regarding breast augmentation and mammograms, please contact us at 305-861-8266.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Michael Salzhauer of Bal Harbour Plastic Surgery call 305-861-8266 or click here to schedule online.
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This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 at 10:48 am and is filed under Breast, Breast Augmentaiton, Breast Implants, Cosmetic Surgeon, Plastic Surgeon, Plastic Surgery. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
What type of preparation do I have to undergo for the procedure?
Says:October 14th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
What type of preparation do I have to undergo for the procedure?
Tara
Says:October 19th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
I had a mammogram about a year ago after my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and I did not have any problem at all having it done. Beings that I had a breast lift my scars were visible and some of the ladies were actually complementing Dr. Salzhauer’s work. Mammograms are always uncomfortable and it was a little tricky getting situated in the machine and moving the implants to the correct spot but the doctors were able to read it perfectly.
Blanca
Says:October 22nd, 2009 at 10:14 am
I have silicone implants. Does the type of implant influence in the results of a mammogram?
Large Breast Implants vs Regular Size Implants
Says:October 22nd, 2009 at 10:46 am
I’m a 27 year old female considering breast augmentation. I’ve been thinking about it since I was 16 but didn’t quite have the funds back then
Now I’m ready to have the surgey my only dilema is the size!!! Given that I’ve been waiting for so long I wouldn’t want to regret going too small or too big. I do not have kids yet but would like to in the future so my concern is that if I go too big they’ll probably sag even more when I get pregnant. Am I mistaken? Is that a good reason to be conservative on the size?
annie
Says:October 29th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
I had a breast augmentation 3 years ago and have since had to go for a mammogram and ultrasound. I didnt have any problems doing the tests. All I had to do was let the techs know that I had implants, and they took it from there.
Barbie
Says:December 9th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
I have a mommogram every year with my implants. I do not have a problem at all, it is easy and gives me a piece of mind.