A large percentage of patients who come to Arizona Breastnet have breast implants due to breast reconstruction or breast augmentation. Women over 40 years old with breast implants need to be aware that routine mammograms are highly recommended and should be done on an annual basis.

Performing a mammogram on a patient with implants is more difficult. It is very important to go to a center that does a large number of these exams annually. All of the technologists at Breastnet are highly skilled in working with implants. Digital mammography facilitates positioning of the breast optimally, so the radiologist can visualize the maximum amount of breast tissue without causing discomfort. In some situations, the implant can hide breast tissue, in which case, additional views and/or ultrasound would be recommended.

Some women who undergo reconstruction due to breast cancer, particularly if surgery was more than 15 years ago, will have some breast tissue remaining while others have all of their breast tissue removed. It is important that women with remaining breast tissue continue to have annual mammograms of that breast, as well as of the other breast. Women who have had breast cancer surgery on both breasts should ask their doctors whether mammograms are still necessary.

It is also very important for every woman with breast implants to conduct a self-breast exam each month to better understand the normal contours of her breast tissue. Even though the area around an implant might feel harder, lumps are actually easier to feel anterior to an implant!

If you have breast implants, please be sure to let us know when you call for your annual mammogram. This will ensure we schedule enough time for your appointment and the technologist is prepared for you.

Sincerely,
Dr. Belinda Barclay-White