Breast Care After Augmentation: Screenings Are Still Important

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures every year. Over 300,000 are performed nationwide each year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgery. 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, affecting one in eight women over their lifetime. As we focus on breast cancer awareness, it’s important to discuss screening after breast augmentation. 

I have multiple conversations with my patients over the course of their care for breast augmentation, at the initial consultation as well as at their six-month follow-up, during which we discuss breast cancer awareness and screening. The studies have shown that the presence of breast implants does not impair the effectiveness of mammography, and therefore there are no delays in breast cancer detection. 

I discuss these important details with each patient as they consider the safety and efficacy of getting implants. The next discussion occurs at the six-month follow-up. I remind patients that despite having implants, they need to do regular self-breast exams and mammography. In fact, some report that the presence of breast implants can improve the self-examination process or effectiveness. I also emphasize that mammography will not harm the implant or the cosmetic results, which is a common fear or misconception patients express. 

The bottom line is that breast augmentation is a safe and effective procedure and as we focus this month on breast cancer awareness, it is timely to point out that breast implants do not change a person’s breast cancer risk and don’t impair the screening tools of mammography and self-examination for timely breast cancer detection. ■

Written by: Dr. Levi Young

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Levi Young and his team of nurse injectors and aestheticians, combine specialized knowledge in surgical and non-surgical procedures with their passion for natural results to help patient achieve a refreshed appearance.

Advanced Cosmetic Surgery
913-586-2530
advancedcosmeticsurgerykc.com