Before coming in for a breast augmentation, our patients are always concerned about the implications of having breast implants and how they may affect their health. At Yonick Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Center, we want to make it clear that breast implants are completely safe when put in by a trained medical professional and maintained properly. Let’s go over one of the biggest myths we hear almost every day: breast implants can mess up a mammogram.
The Problem: Breast Implants Block Mammogram Imaging
Most of our patients are concerned that the saline or silicone breast implants they choose to receive are going to block important imaging on their annual mammograms, increasing their risk of having undetected complications. While it is true that your breast implants may obscure some photos of your breast tissue in a mammogram, it’s important to note that this obscurity can be avoided with proper communication.
The Solution: Your Doctor Will Take More Images for a Better View
The best thing you can do when getting a mammogram with your breast implants is to tell your doctor that you have breast implants. It’s that easy! Knowing your implants have the potential to hide certain parts of the breast within the mammogram images, your doctor will be able to adjust accordingly and take additional images that give them a full perspective. These additional images are often called implant displacement (ID) views, as the implant will gently be moved to provide a more clear view of the breast tissue around it.
Are Breast Implants Safe?
So, we busted the myth about breast implants ruining a mammogram. But, many of our patients still wonder: Are breast implants safe? Over the past several years, saline and silicone breast implants have gotten a bad reputation for causing a variety of health issues and post-surgical complications. In reality, all the cases involving complications with breast implants are the anomaly. When choosing to get breast implants, we encourage our patients to keep the following points in mind:
- Find a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your breast augmentation.
- Consult with your doctor after 10 years of having your breast implants.
- Complications, although very rare, do happen. Keep an eye on your health and contact one of our medical professionals as soon as you feel necessary.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can benefit from breast implants, we encourage you to contact us and schedule your private consultation with one of our expert medical team members today. They’ll be happy to sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you get the naturally youthful appearance you desire.