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Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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Thursday, January 31, 2008

Will Breast Implants Interfere with Mammograms?

Yes, that potential is there. The implant may obscure a tumor so that it won’t be visible on the mammogram. But there are some ways around this problem.

Some mammogram facilities have radiologists experienced in giving mammograms to women with breast implants. The procedure may be changed slightly, pushing the implant back out of the way, to make accurate reading of the images more certain. Extra views are taken also, to make it more likely any early cancer will be detected.

Many studies have been done on implants and mammograms, and so far it seems that:
  • There is no evidence that implants cause breast cancer
  • There is no evidence that any delays in diagnosing cancer because of a breast implant have significantly increased deaths
  • If there is capsular contracture (tightening of the capsule around the implant), it is very difficult to do a mammogram, as the breast can’t be compressed

Implant placement
If the implant is placed entirely below the muscle, mammograms are more effective. If it is entirely above the muscle, it will interfere more with mammograms. Placement partially under the muscle falls in between these two scenarios.

posted by Patti at 4:29 PM

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Dr. Otto J. Placik M.D., Chicago Area Plastic Surgeon, plastic,reconstructive & cosmetic surgery, breast enlargement, breast reduction, breast lift, liposuction. We feature BioMedic ® Clinical Care, Skin Rejuvenation, Laser Peels, Chemical Peels, Botox ® and Collagen Injections.

Dr.Placik's before and after photos have been selected to appear on the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery, a website providing comprehensive, up-to-date information on breast enhancement, face lift, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck and bariatric surgery.

Associated Plastic Surgeons, S.C.
Otto J. Placik, M.D., F.A.C.S.
(847) 398-1660 or (312) 787-5313
Arlington Heights and Chicago, Illinois