The Mammo Minute: Can You Get a Mammogram with Breast Implants?
Dr. Arthy Saravanan addresses the often-asked question: “Can You Get a Mammogram with Breast Implants?”
Hi, my name is Doctor Arthy Saravanan, and welcome to the “Mammo Minute.”
Today’s topic is going to be “Can you still get screening mammography if you have breast implants?”
The answer is yes, you can… and you should get your mammograms annually starting at the age of 40 if you have breast implants.
You still have the same chance of getting breast cancer.
The only exception would be if you’ve had a complete mastectomy and reconstructive surgery with implants.
If you have no breast tissue, you do not need a mammogram.
If you schedule your mammogram online with ARA, there is a place to indicate that you have implants.
If you call to schedule, please let your scheduler know.
ARA mammography technologists have experience in scanning women with breast implants and will make your exam as comfortable as possible.
You will need to have four extra pictures as well as the usual four done for a screening mammogram.
Having implants makes it harder to see breast tissue, so we do what’s called implant displacement views.
In these views, the technologist will manually push the implant back against the chest wall and pull the breast tissue forward and compress it to take the picture.
Most people want to know if it’s possible for an implant to rupture during a screening mammogram.
This happens very, very rarely. It’s an important reason to be sure your technologist knows that you have implants.
That’s all for the “Mammo Minute today.” Thank you for tuning in, and make sure you schedule your screening mammogram!