Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Many women are concerned that getting new breast implants will interfere with effective mammogram imaging. These concerns are not completely unfounded, as some types of breast implants can cause difficulties in imaging as they obstruct view of the natural breast tissue. Additionally, implants can sometimes cause scarring or other abnormalities that can be difficult to distinguish from cancerous growths. As such, your breast implants may increase your chances of receiving abnormal results that could require minor exploratory surgery.

In most cases, however, an experienced mammography technician can get accurate mammogram results in patients with breast implants.

The relative difficulty of mammography also depends on your specific type and placement of breast implant. Generally speaking, the deeper the implant is placed in the body, the easier it is for your mammographer to view the natural breast tissue for abnormalities. In many cases, your radiologist may take more images if you have breast implants, to ensure a clear, complete, unobstructed picture of your breast tissue.

In any case, we recommend that you receive a mammogram prior to any breast implantation procedure if recommended by recognized guidleines (generally after 35 years) to establish a baseline for your imaging; continue regular mammograms with an experienced radiologist who has experience with breast implants after your breast augmentation.

To learn more about your plastic surgery options if you live in the Chicago, Illinois area, please contact cosmetic surgeon Dr. Otto J. Placik today to schedule your confidential consultation.