Breast self-exams are a touchy subject for some people, but not for Costhetics. We think the most beautiful breasts are healthy breasts, whether they are all natural or enhanced.
Mammograms are considered the gold standard for detecting cancer and other diseases of the breast, but the procedure can be problematic for women who have undergone breast enhancement surgery.
In today’s article, we have serious answers about breast implants, self-exams, and mammograms. You’ll also find fun tips for anyone who needs a little nudge towards making breast health a priority on their to-do list.
Help! Will a Mammogram Pop My Implants?
This is perhaps the #1 question on the lips (and breast tips) of health-and-beauty-conscious women worldwide. We’re sorry to report that there have, indeed, been reports of implants bursting during a screening. Additionally, if an implant is already broken, the pressure from the mammogram machine can cause the implant contents to leak. Finally, making the problem even thornier, is the fact that mammograms themselves will not detect a rupture or leakage.
Don’t let these problems keep you from a regular screening. Several factors can reduce the risk of a breast implant rupture during a mammogram. To minimise your risk:
- Consult with your surgeon prior to your screening to discuss your implants and mammography.
- Tell your technician you have implants before the screening begins.
- Be aware of the age of your implants. Breast implants are not immortal. The older the implant, the greater the likelihood of rupture or leakage.
If your implant is interfering with the mammogram imaging, there are other diagnostic tools.
Squeeze Me Right (and Left)
No one knows your body better than you do. After all, you’ve been together your whole life. That makes it vital that you master the art and science of a self-exam, even if you have regular mammograms. Of course, self-exams can’t replace a visit to your doctor.
In the same way that master bakers develop a ‘feel’ for bread dough, you need to develop a feel for your breasts. We encourage you to create a baseline of self-awareness regarding the look and feel of your breasts. When you know what’s right, you’re far more likely to detect when something is wrong during your regular self-exams. This theory applies to you whether or not you have implants.
Turn Breast Self-Exam into Date Night
Don’t turn up your nose. A breast self-exam can be fun! Send yourself this hilarious singing breast exam telegram to remind yourself to do the right thing. When it’s time to start your exam, think of it as the beginning of a personal (VERY personal) spa experience. When you’re done, take a relaxing shower and pamper yourself with emollients and oils. Doesn’t that sound appealing?
You might also think of your breast self-exam as a date with someone you don’t know well and want to get to know better. If you’re not certain you know all the nuances of the process of examining your breasts there’s a wonderful breast exam how-to on the website of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
A breast self-exam can even be sexy! Consider playing doctor with your spouse, partner, or significant other. They know your body, too, and can provide valuable feedback regarding what they see and feel.