Mammograms With Breast Implants: What to Expect

Having breast implants doesn't mean giving up breast cancer screening. Here is how mammograms work when you have implants.

Mammograms are critical tools in the detection of breast cancer. They're recommended for all women aged 40 and above. The process of undergoing a mammogram can be made more complicated by getting breast augmentation with silicone implants. This means that those with silicone gel implants should understand the different approach to their mammogram compared with traditional diagnostic services.

As with any diagnostic tool, there are multiple benefits to undergoing a mammogram. One of the most important benefits of this process is that it can aid in the early and effective detection of cancer. Using a mammogram, specialists can detect breast abnormalities that might otherwise lead to a dangerous cancer developing over a short period of time. Quick diagnosis is often critical to optimal results in the treatment process.

Experienced specialists

There are many professionals in the medical field who specialize in performing mammograms on patients with silicone implants. The specialist will know how to manipulate tissue to highlight any abnormalities and complete a comprehensive diagnosis. You should make sure the diagnostic team understands that you have breast implants. During your procedure, the specialist will work to minimize the compression of the breast to reduce the chances of damage to your silicone implants. Those that have been trained in this process can complete a full mammogram without having to significantly adjust the procedure.

Displacement

One option for imaging breasts with breast implants is the use of displacement, which involves moving the breast implant manually by pushing the implants from surrounding tissue. This will allow the tissue to be analyzed without impacting the breast implants. The specialist can then complete the full imaging of the breast tissue.

Other Diagnostic Tests

In addition to undergoing a mammogram, many specialists will recommend that women over the age of 40 undergo several other diagnostic tests, including MRIs and ultrasounds. Both of these diagnostic tools are often used for women with silicone implants when specialists are uncertain of the full value of the mammogram process.

By working with trained professionals and researching their diagnostic needs, women who have had breast augmentation procedures can safely undergo mammograms and protect their health for the coming years.

Always tell the imaging clinic that you have breast implants when you book. For more on implant safety, read breast implant illness or the safety section of our breast augmentation page.