Elective Breast Procedures & Breast Cancer Screening Prior to Surgery

Breast Cancer Screening Before Elective Breast Surgery

Before cosmetic breast surgery, such as  a breast augmentation or  breast lift or breast reduction, it's generally recommended that patients undergo a thorough evaluation, including breast cancer screening. I advise my patients to adhere to these current guidelines. Our goal is your safety. Here are some current guidelines:

-Mammograms

                  -Dr. Derrick recommends patient older than 35 have a mammogram before elective breast surgery, or those who are older than 30 if they have a family history of breast cancer. 

                  -Your mammogram should have no abnormalities that require additional workup or short-term screening follow-up to proceed with elective breast surgery. If additional screening is needed, then we opt to hold off on the elective plastic surgery breast procedure until cleared.

                  -Patients may resume regular screening mammograms beginning 6 months after elective breast surgery.

                  -Women with breast implants may need additional images during mammograms to better visualize the breast tissue. This is important to note for those who are desiring more fullness in their breasts and undergo a breast augmentation or a mommy makeover procedure with a breast augmentation. 

-Clinical Breast Exams

                  -A clinical breast exam will be performed as part of your consultation for an elective breast procedure such as breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction.

-Self Exams

                  -Patients should perform regular monthly self-exams and report any changes to your primary care provider. It is important for patients to continue these self breast exams even after a plastic surgery breast procedure. 

-Genetic Testing

                  -If you have a strong family history or other risk factors, your primary care provider may recommend genetic testing.  Your should inform your board certified plastic surgeon of any known test results if you have a higher lifetime risk of breast cancer. He or she can discuss the different risks associated with the various breast procedures such as breast augmentation (breast implants), fat grafting to the breast, breast lift, or breast reduction. 

-Consultation with specialists

                  -It may be beneficial to consult with both a plastic surgeon and a breast surgeon to ensure all concerns are addressed before proceeding with elective breast surgery.

I do recommend that my patients undergo screening for potential breast cancer to be safe before we proceed with a plastic surgery procedure to the breast according to the above guidelines. My goal is for you not only to be exceptionally happy with your results but also to be healthy. If you are interested in plastic surgery please contact the office to schedule a consultation.