Yes, you can get a mammogram with breast implants. Having implants does not mean you should skip breast cancer screening. A mammogram can still help doctors look for early signs of breast cancer, even if the test needs a few extra images.
Many women worry that breast implants may make the mammogram unsafe or less useful. The truth is that many imaging centers perform mammograms for women with breast implants every day. Choose a facility with experience in implant imaging.
Why Mammograms Still Matter With Breast Implants?
Breast implants can sit in front of some natural breast tissue, which may make it harder to see every area on a standard mammogram. This can happen with both saline and silicone implants. Because of this, the imaging team may take special views to see more breast tissue.
Even though implants can make the process a little more detailed, mammograms still play an important role in breast cancer screening. They can help doctors find changes that a breast exam may not detect, especially in the early stages.
How Is a Mammogram Done With Breast Implants?
A regular screening mammogram usually includes two images of each breast. If you have breast implants, the technologist may take extra images called implant displacement views. Some imaging centers also call them Eklund views.
During these images, the technologist gently moves the implant back toward the chest wall and brings the natural breast tissue forward. This helps the machine capture a clearer view of the breast tissue in front of the implant.
Should You Tell the Mammogram Center About Your Implants?
Yes, you should always tell the imaging center about your breast implants when you schedule the appointment. This gives the team time to plan the right type of mammogram and assign a technologist with implant imaging experience.
You should also remind the technologist on the day of your exam. Let them know whether your implants contain saline or silicone, and whether they sit above or below the chest muscle, if you know. This information helps the team take safer and clearer images.
Is a Mammogram With Breast Implants Painful?
A mammogram with breast implants may feel slightly uncomfortable, but it should not cause severe pain. The pressure usually lasts only a few seconds for each image. Some women feel more pressure during implant displacement views because the technologist needs extra positioning.
If you have tight scar tissue, breast tenderness, or past implant surgery complications, tell the technologist before the exam begins. The technologist can adjust the positioning and work slowly to make the mammogram more comfortable.
Can a Mammogram Rupture Breast Implants?
A mammogram has a low risk of causing implant rupture, but the risk is not zero. This is one reason why you should choose a mammography center with experience in breast implant imaging.
A trained technologist knows how to position the breast and implant carefully. If you notice pain, swelling, a change in breast shape, or concern about implant damage after the test, contact your doctor or plastic surgeon.
Are Extra Images Needed for Every Mammogram With Implants?
In most cases, the technologist takes extra images because implants can block part of the breast tissue on standard mammogram views. These extra images help the radiologist see more tissue and make a better assessment.
A typical mammogram with breast implants may take longer than a regular mammogram. This does not mean something is wrong. It simply means the imaging team needs a few extra steps to get a clearer result.
Screening Mammogram vs Diagnostic Mammogram With Breast Implants
Doctors use a screening mammogram with implants when you have no symptoms and need routine breast cancer screening. Your age, personal risk, and doctor’s advice usually guide the timing of screening.
Your doctor may recommend a diagnostic mammogram if you have a breast lump, pain, nipple discharge, skin changes, or an abnormal screening result. Diagnostic imaging may include additional mammogram views, ultrasound, or sometimes breast MRI.
Can Breast Implants Hide Breast Cancer?
Breast implants can make it harder to see some areas of breast tissue on a mammogram. However, special implant displacement views help reduce this issue. Radiologists know how to read mammograms in women with implants.
Still, no screening test finds every breast problem. Report any new breast changes, even if your recent mammogram looked normal. A doctor should check a lump, swelling, breast pain, nipple changes, or skin dimpling.
What About Silicone Implants and MRI?
Doctors mainly use mammograms to screen for breast cancer. A mammogram does not work best for checking silent silicone implant rupture. If your doctor needs to check the implant itself, they may recommend breast MRI or ultrasound.
This does not mean every woman with silicone implants needs extra testing for cancer screening. Your doctor can decide whether you need additional imaging based on your implant type, symptoms, age, family history, and overall risk.
Tips Before Getting a Mammogram With Breast Implants
When booking your appointment, ask if the facility has experience performing mammograms on women with breast implants. This step can help you get safer positioning and clearer images.
Bring details about your implant surgery if you have them. It may help to know the implant type, placement, surgery date, and whether you had reconstruction or cosmetic augmentation. Also avoid deodorant, lotion, or powder under the arms or on the breast area before the exam, unless the center gives different instructions.
When Should You Call a Doctor?
Call your doctor if you notice a new lump, swelling, breast pain, nipple discharge, redness, warmth, or a sudden change in breast shape. Do not ignore these symptoms, even if you have implants.
You should also seek medical advice if you think an implant has changed, shifted, leaked, or ruptured. Breast changes can come from the implant, breast tissue, infection, scar tissue, or another condition that needs proper evaluation.
Bottom Line
You can get a mammogram with breast implants, and routine screening still matters. The test may take longer and include extra images, but these views help doctors see more breast tissue.
Choose a mammography center with implant imaging experience and tell the team about your implants before the exam. If you have symptoms or concerns, do not wait for routine screening. Speak with your doctor and ask whether you need a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI.
FAQs
Yes. You can get a mammogram with breast implants. Extra images are usually taken to help show more natural breast tissue.
They can make some breast tissue harder to see, but special implant displacement views help improve visibility during the mammogram.
Yes. Always tell the imaging center and technologist that you have breast implants before your mammogram begins.
Yes, mammograms are commonly performed in women with silicone implants. If implant rupture is suspected, MRI or ultrasound may be recommended.
Most women can still have mammograms. Some may need ultrasound or MRI depending on symptoms, risk level, or doctor recommendation.
References
- National Cancer Institute
https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/screening/mammograms - Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mammogram/about/pac-20384806
