Question:
Would you still be able to have mammograms after breast implants?

   — j A. (posted on September 17, 2004)

September 17, 2004
Yes. They do them a little bit differently, but yes.
   — vitalady

September 17, 2004
I am just shy of 4 months post op--opem RNY May 25, 2004. I had my annual mammogram August 2nd. I asked the technician about mammograms after breast reduction surgery. I have always been big busted--even when "thin" (not sure I remember what that is!LOL). Anyway, she said it's like you have taken your breast tissue, put it in a blender then put it back in place. She said just make sure that if my doctor is "following" anything-a lump, a bump or whatever--that it is documented and the PS in informed before any surgery is done. Hope this helps. Terri
   — greeneyes1961

September 18, 2004
I am a mammographer and yes, you will be able to have a mammogram. Ideally the implant placed BEHIND the muscle will provide best imaging to the breast tissue. Rather than 4 views, we do 8--with and without the implant in place. It is not a a huge problem. Make sure you don't choose too big of an implant, or it can obliterate visualization of the lateral tissue, in many cases.
   — zena X.

September 18, 2004
Absolutely! Your doc will write it on the script and you will report the implants on the questionnare at the rediology center. Be sure to verbally let the tech know too. Diane
   — DianeN

September 20, 2004
Yes, you will be able to have mammograms. Be sure, if you have implants, that you get specific instructions from your surgeon about how to massage your breasts to make the implants sort of pliable. When you have a mammogram after an implant, the tech has to be able to manipulate the implant back in order to get all the breast tissue in the front. They will take more views in order to see all the breast tissue. I used to do mammograms many years ago, but even after stopping actually performing the tests, I was in charge of all the federal regulations regarding mammography called MQSA. Be sure you let your tech know you have implants on your questionnaire and also by telling them directly before they begin their films. And again, be sure to follow the directions from your surgeon on how to massage and manipulate your implants each day so they will remain in good condition to move and get maximum views of all breast tissue. Hope this helps...good luck and God bless.
   — Katherine F.