Breast augmentation surgery does not eliminate the need for regular breast cancer screening. Mammography remains the primary tool for early cancer detection, even for women with implants. The presence of implants, however, necessitates procedural adjustments to ensure the test is both safe and effective.
Recommended Timing for Post-Augmentation Screening
For women who have undergone breast augmentation, the general recommendation is to wait until surgical recovery is complete before scheduling a routine screening mammogram. This allows the breast tissues to heal and the implants to settle into their final position. Surgeons generally suggest waiting a minimum of six months, though some recommend extending this period to twelve months after the procedure for optimal tissue stability.
Delaying the screening ensures that the compression required for the mammogram does not interfere with the post-operative healing process. If a patient was already due for a screening based on age or risk factors, the procedure is typically postponed until this healing period has elapsed.
It is important to distinguish this routine timeline from a diagnostic mammogram, which may be needed sooner. If a specific concern arises during the recovery period, such as a new lump, persistent pain, or other suspicious changes, a doctor may order diagnostic imaging much earlier than the six-month mark. The immediate need for diagnosis overrides the standard waiting period for routine screening.
Specialized Technique for Imaging Implants
The presence of a breast implant requires the mammography technologist to use a specialized method to adequately visualize the surrounding breast tissue. This technique is formally known as the implant displacement view, often referred to as the Eklund technique. This method is designed to maximize the amount of natural breast tissue captured on the X-ray image without compressing the implant itself.
During the procedure, the technologist gently pushes the implant back toward the chest wall while pulling the natural breast tissue forward and away from the implant. The breast tissue is then compressed separately from the implant, allowing for a clearer view of the glandular material where cancers originate.
Because this method is used in addition to the standard views, a mammogram for a patient with implants usually involves a greater number of images. While a standard screening includes four images, two views for each breast, a screening with implants often requires eight images, doubling the total number. It is necessary to inform the facility about the presence of implants beforehand so they can allocate the extra time and ensure a trained professional performs the specialized views. The implant’s placement, whether above or below the pectoral muscle, also influences the ease of separating the tissue.
Safety and Accuracy Concerns
Patients with breast implants often express concern about the safety of the mammogram due to the necessary compression. Modern mammography machines and the specialized Eklund technique are designed to minimize the risk of implant rupture, making the occurrence extremely rare. Implants are structurally engineered to withstand significant force, and the displacement method is used to avoid direct, heavy compression on the implant.
The primary accuracy concern with implants is that the implant material can obscure some of the breast tissue, potentially reducing the mammogram’s sensitivity. This is particularly true if the implant is positioned in front of the chest muscle, which can make it more challenging to view the tissue behind it.
To counteract this obscuring effect, supplemental imaging tools are often recommended to achieve a comprehensive screening. A breast ultrasound may be used to evaluate specific areas that were not clearly visible on the mammogram. In some cases, a breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan may be recommended as an additional tool for augmented patients, especially those considered to be at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.