Mammograms and Breast Augmentation

Can you still get a mammogram if you have had a breast augmentation? I often get this question at my clinic, and rightly so. It is of course very important that your breasts, even if you have implants, can be properly examined for the possible presence of breast cancer.

Mammogram

With breast implants, you can simply have a mammogram. The implants can easily withstand the pressure applied during this examination. Since most women find this examination painful, the mammogram should be done with care. There can, however, be an X-ray shadow behind the implant, which is why radiologists often do an additional ultrasound. The mammogram remains the examination of choice to detect breast cancer. So if you are invited for the Dutch national breast cancer screening program, just mention that you have breast implants and go!

Ultrasound/MRI

If you want information about the implant itself, for example to know whether it is still intact, then an ultrasound is the first choice. The reliability of this examination does depend on the experience of the radiologist. A major advantage of an ultrasound is that the examination is painless and your glandular tissue can also be examined properly right away. In case of doubt, an MRI can be done. An MRI is a much more expensive examination, and you have to lie in a kind of tunnel for about half an hour. So you should not suffer from claustrophobia. Your plastic surgeon, general practitioner, or radiologist can of course give you more information.