How Will Breast Implants Affect Mammograms?

    HOUSTON, TX, October 22, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Mammograms are an important part of every woman's health to screen for breast cancer. Because many more women have breast implants these days, some of them may wonder how their implants will affect their mammogram results. They may also wonder how the mammography will affect their breast implants. Worries about breast implant ruptures are not uncommon. However, breast implants are made of very durable material. The likelihood of a rupture is very small. It is extremely important that you do not skip a mammogram because you are worried your breast implant will rupture. Your health and safety should be priorities.

Mammograms can still be read accurately if you have breast implants, provided you tell the mammography center that you have them. The technician and radiologist should already know how to perform the mammography on patients with breast implants, but it is up to you to make sure they know. An accurate image can be obtained through using slightly different techniques. One of these techniques is called an implant displacement view. This allows the technician and radiologist to differentiate between calcifications and scarring caused by the breast implant with the presence of cancer. Ultrasounds and MRIs may also be recommended if you have breast implants.

Women who are 40 should undergo regular breast cancer screening with a mammogram, every one to two years. If you are planning on getting breast implants, it is recommended by many plastic surgeons that you get a mammogram before you get implants. You should get another one about a year after your breast implant procedure. You should also continue routine self exams. Women who have a higher than average risk of breast cancer should speak with their doctor and their plastic surgeon about this prior to their breast implant procedure.

If you have questions about breast implants and mammograms, please visit the website of Houston, Texas area plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Ciaravino today at www.thebodydoc.com.

# # #