Breast implants are a common procedure, and here, Dr. Max can perform them with the skill and experience you need. As with any surgical procedure, your overall health and well-being are the top priority, and that includes life after breast augmentation surgery.
Mammograms are an important part of every woman’s health, and you should schedule them with your doctor at least once every two years starting around age 40. (If you’re at risk of cancer or have a history in your family, consider scheduling mammograms once a year.) When considering breast implants, no matter your age, it pays to ask if they will interfere with mammograms either now or in the future. The answer is complicated, and it involves awareness and understanding beyond either not worrying about it at all or avoiding breast implants because of those concerns.
As always, knowledge is the key, and the more you know going into the procedure, the better you’ll be able to address future concerns such as mammograms in a healthy and proactive way.
Be Aware of the Effects of Breast Implants
Breast implants tend to have two specific effects that can impact mammograms in some patients.
- Rupturing. Implant ruptures are very uncommon, but the possibility tends to grow the older the breast implant becomes. Because mammograms involve squeezing the breast, the chances of a rupture go up during the procedure. Such incidents remain exceedingly small, and can be over-reported in the media.
- Delayed Detection. In some cases, breast implants can delay detection of breast cancer in patients, though not the way you might expect. Because of the concerns over ruptures and leaks, some women with breast implants will defer or avoid a mammogram, which can interfere with early detection. You should never avoid getting a mammogram just because you have breast implants. Your health must come first and staying away from such an important procedure can leave you more vulnerable to the onset of breast cancer.
Contingencies Exist
As always, forewarned is forearmed, and if you’re aware of the risks, you can discuss them with your doctor before they present a problem. This includes speaking with whoever is performing the mammogram about your breast implants: when you had the procedure, whether you’ve had replacement implants, and how long your existing implants have been in place. This allows you to plan and prepare for any contingencies, as well as setting up the mammogram in a way that can address your concerns.
Dr. Max serves patients throughout the area, and places his emphasis not just on your immediate health, but on your health in the years to come. That’s why he takes care to discuss your breast augmentation procedure with you and ensure that it enhances your life instead of providing complications down the line. Every patient is unique and while concerns about mammograms can be universal, you need to know how it applies to your case in particular.
Call our office today at (817) 529-9199 and let our trained staff answer any questions you may have!
