Screening and Breast Implants

Women with breast implants can have regular screening mammograms. Use our guide to screening mammograms for women with breast implants to find out more.

Screening Mammograms for Women with Breast Implants

Women with breast implants can have regular screening mammograms.

However, as your breast screening process may be slightly different to a standard screening mammogram, we’ve put together some information on breast screening and implants to help you be prepared.

Breast Screening and Implants: What You Need to Know

The radiographer will use special techniques to get a clear x-ray

Regardless of the type of implant and where it is inserted, our radiographers are specially-trained in obtaining the clearest x-ray images. Your radiographer will use specialised techniques to x-ray the breast tissue surrounding the implant.

Implants can sometimes cover parts of the breast tissue

As implants may cover some of the breast tissue, they can make it more difficult for doctors to find small breast cancers. However, screening mammograms are still the most effective test for finding breast cancer early in all women over the age of 50.

We’ll take additional x-rays during your screening mammogram

As we’ll need to take a few more x-rays of your breasts, you may be exposed to slightly more radiation than women without implants. However, modern screening technology ensures this exposure is minimal and the benefits of having a screening mammogram to find breast cancer early far outweigh any possible risks from radiation.

Can screening mammograms damage breast implants?

Your radiographer will use specialised techniques to minimise the amount of compression applied to your implants. There is a very small chance that the mammogram could break up scar tissue that has grown around your implant. If you are concerned about this, please talk to your doctor.

Screening with Breast Implants 

1. Let us know you have implants when you make your appointment
2. Remind us you have implants when you attend your appointment
3. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about breast screening with implants

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