Mammograms w/ Implants

One of the most common questions we hear from patients considering breast augmentation is: *”If I choose dual-plane placement, will it affect my mammograms or my ability to breastfeed in the future?”*

The short answer is reassuring. Dual-plane placement does not meaningfully change cancer screening outcomes, and most women can breastfeed successfully after augmentation. Let’s walk through the details so you can make an informed decision.

Will My Implants Make Mammograms Less Effective?

Breast implants can make mammograms slightly more challenging because the implant itself blocks a small portion of breast tissue from view. Studies suggest that up to about 25% of breast tissue can be hidden behind an implant during standard mammography.

But here’s the good news:

Modern mammography is designed for women with implants. A special technique called the Eklund method (also called “implant-displacement views”) gently pushes the implant back and forward out of the way, allowing the mammographer to compress the breast tissue alone. This technique is now considered standard for all women with implants, regardless of whether the implant sits above or below the muscle.

Does dual-plane placement make mammograms harder than placement above the muscle?

No. Research has shown that both subglandular (above the muscle) and submuscular/dual-plane placements have comparable effects on mammography**, including the rate at which cancer is detected, how biopsies are performed, and how treatment proceeds.

Interestingly, some radiologists find that dual-plane implants produce **less visible distortion** on imaging than implants placed above the muscle, because the muscle layer softens the implant’s outline.

What you should do:

• Continue your routine screening mammograms. In the US, this typically starts at age 40 (based on shared decision-making with your doctor).
• Always tell the imaging center you have implants so they use the Eklund technique.
• Report any new lump you feel immediately. Physical exams remain highly effective in women with implants, and interestingly, palpable cancers are often caught at a smaller size in augmented patients.
• If you are at high risk for breast cancer, your doctor may also recommend supplemental MRI screening, which is not affected by implants at all.
• Mammograms do not cause implant rupture, this is an extremely rare concern and you should feel confident going through routine compression.