October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every year around October, women around the world are encouraged to schedule their annual mammogram to promote early detection of breast cancer. If you’ve had a breast augmentation surgery, you may have questions about what to expect from mammograms and if they’re safe to have after you have implants.
Board-certified plastic surgery Dr. Bryan Armijo understands his patients’ apprehension when it comes to mammograms and breast augmentations. He offers only the best resources to help his patients move forward with their breast augmentation dreams with confidence. To learn more about having a breast augmentation in Dallas, TX schedule a consultation and learn what to expect while having a mammogram with breast implants.
Why You Should Get a Mammogram Every Year
Mammograms are specialized x-ray images of the breasts that allow technicians to screen for breast cancer. The FDA encourages getting implants screened 3 years after your original breast augmentation surgery. As the primary objective of a mammogram is to discover breast cancer before it can become a more serious issue, it is important to get mammograms on a regular basis, even if you aren’t showing any signs or symptoms of cancer.
While not a lifelong device, modern breast implants are designed to last around 10 to 20 years. Over their lifetime, implants can be affected by numerous factors, including aging, lifestyle changes, and trauma. In addition to receiving imaging services, patients should also maintain their relationship with their plastic surgeon as implants will need to eventually be replaced.
What to Expect from a Mammogram After Breast Augmentation
Plastic surgeons have the option of placing breast implants in front of your pectoral muscle or behind it. Mammogram images with the implant in front of the muscle can be more complicated because your technician may be unable to get a comprehensive view of the tissue. This means getting a mammogram with breast implants could interfere with cancer detection.
As breast implants become increasingly popular, imaging specialists and radiologists have developed new mammogram techniques to work around implants. This technique, called implant displacement view, involves moving the implants against the chest wall and pulling the breast tissue out from behind it. Even with breast implants, mammograms are a safe and effective tool to detect breast cancer.
Many facilities are now equipped to offer specialized mammograms for those with breast implants. Be sure to mention you have breast implants when scheduling your mammogram or other imaging service. A good technician will work around your implants and will get the views necessary for a quality cancer screening.
Find a Breast Surgeon in Dallas
Having a mammogram is an important event for women whether they choose to have a breast augmentation or they are all natural. The great news is that breast implants do not prevent you from having the necessary screening to help detect breast cancer.
If you have any questions about breast implants or how mammograms are performed, contact Dr. Bryan S. Armijo in Dallas, TX. Dr. Armijo is among the best plastic surgeons to answer your questions and address any of your concerns.