Breast Implants & Mammograms

Actually implants under the muscle are helpful in finding any problems in the breast from what I have been told with mine.

If you haven't done it already, I 2nd Patti R's notion of flippin' fanTASTIC bras and bra fittings...and Nordstroms is one of the best places to go. I drop a minimum of 100 if not 200 for each one, but they are sooooooooooo worth it. Hello girls...back up where you belong! I'm an odd size though, so not that many manufacturers make sexy bras in my size. If you're in the more normal range, you'll probably get away with paying a lot less. (Note: they NEVER have all their sizes out on the floor. I'm a 38DDDD (come to find), and that's not one you'll see laying around.) My sister and my cousin though, both have their bra's custom made. Costs about the same: 1-200 a pop.

On probably a tangental line...a good friend of mine was on the genetic death row for breast cancer. Every woman in her family died by 35 until the 1970's, and then 2 out of 3 died. When she and all of her sisters and cousins turned 18 (in the 90's - today) they all had/have double mastectomies and implants put in. So that's another thing to think about. Most insurance doesn't cover this kind of preemptive strike, and it's not as easy as going through your bellybutton...but if you're really concerned it's another possibility.

All of that aside...everyone's already mentioned already that you can get screened...just not in the traditional way.

Jennifer,

I had the exact same issues. I breastfed my 3 babes for a total of just under 3 years, and while I wouldn't have traded it for anything, it took a toll.
I have implants, and my aunt is a survivor. As long as the bag is placed under the muscle, you will be fine. But if you have a good Dr, they can also use sonograms for screening. Get your screenings as directed by your Dr, and "feel you boobies" EVERY month! No one knows them better!!!
Good luck!!! (and let me know if you have ANY other questions ~ I'm very open about the whole procedure :)
H.

Jennifer, I was in the same situation after two babies. I actually have never posted to this forum before but I am compelled to on your request about information about implants because I think this subject is a highly personal and private subject that is harder to ask people about. I want to share with you my experience and thoughts about this. First, in regard to Mammograms which is really what you are asking about. Implants are so common everywhere in the US and the technology for screening is improving all the time. All of the techs are accustomed to dealing with implants some better than others. I would ask around locally with even some of the plastic surgeons office about a referral. I will say that most of the mammographers will try to talk you out of implants. Locally in Santa Barbara, Dr Judy Dean keeps up with the latest technology and has great techs in her office. I was in the same dilemma as you (without the family history) I asked quite a few friends that had implants about whether they were happy with them or not. All were happy but there was that little tinge of regret in a few of them. A great friend of mine of whom I dearly admire that had implants, suggested I kick up my exercise routine a bit, weights and add swimming to see if the lift of the pectorial muscles helped the appearance of the breast. I do not do that because I don't have time to put into that and figured it would not help much. In hind sight, I wish I had tried that first to see if the change would have made me happy. I was a B cup and I was really fine with size but always wished I was a tiny bit bigger. I did the implants (with an excellent doctor I might add) and I have already noticed a change with my lymphatic system. I love, love the way they look and am super happy with everything except this.It changes everything about the way I look and my guy loves them even though he was hesitant about me getting them. Sometimes I have regrets.. So I am passing on my friends advice to try that first, if you are still not happy than make your decision at that time. Even assuming you are a super health fanatic, I would also suggest that you really make a commitment to your health and staying really in tune with your body if you do the implants to give your body every advantage to stay in tune. Suggestions Juicing, making sure to get lots of greens and fiber, wheatgrass juice, maybe a series of lymphatic massage sessions ( I would do that anyway regardless) get a rebounder for lymphatic stimulation, maybe some colonics etc etc. The bottom line is that implants are not a plus for our health. They definitely add an extra challenge to the bodies health defense. Also, continue to ask your friends about it and don't jump to a decision which I dont think you are anyway. Good luck.

I had my first implants done in 1984, they looked great and natural. I gave birth to our daughter in '86 and successfully breast fed her for almost a year. I had my implants replaced in 2004. I have had a mammogram every 18 months to two years until I turned 50, now I have one every year. When I have my mammograms, I tell the technician that I have them and they do two views, one with the entire breast, implant and all and a second set with the breast tissue "lifted" away from the implant. It isn't the most comfortable, but not that bad. I always go to HOAG breast imaging center, they have very gentle techs! Do what you feel is best for you to be happy and comfortable in your own body! I have had ZERO problems and my mammograms are always easy to read. LL

I would urge you to go to a good store (like Nordstrom or a specialty lingerie store) for a bra fitting before you even think about implants. (Well, you've obviously already thought about implants, but before you take another step.) I have always had larger breasts, but after breastfeeding I was pretty disgusted with them too. I was considering not implants but a reduction. Come to find out I was wearing a bra that was too big in the band and too small in the cup, and had absolutely no support. Go get a fitting and buy yourself a couple of excellent bras and see how that feels first. You will be amazed at the difference. I just put on one of my older, ill-fitting bras the other day because my good ones were drying -- and I immediately felt saggy, frumpy, ugly. Whereas I put on the good ones that fit right, and I feel great. There is a HUGE difference. I am telling you this could make the difference for you. Try a couple of good bras first for a teeny tiny fraction of the cost of implants, and none of the hassle or safety concerns. Good luck!!

First off,it sounds like your blaming breastfeeding for causing your breasts to sag. Breastfeeding has nothing to do with changing the anatomy of the breast; leave that up to age, size, pregnancy, and hereditary.
I cannot suggest anything as far as the mammograms but i know that the longer and more you breastfeed your children, the lower your risk will be for getting breast cancer, as well as many other diseases.
My other question to you would be, are you done having children? because if not and you plan on breastfeeding, you may run into some issues.
Furthermore, as a medical assistant, that has assitant in cosmetic surgery, and from the doctors point of view, breast augmentation is about the worst elective surgery you can have beside butt implants....

and woman to woman, im sure your beautiful, and i hope you can find other ways to make you feel good about you, than opting for surgery.
best wishes

You've gotten some good advise. I would just like to add a comment to Suzie's advise on lymphatic stimulation. That is great advise for everybody. Two other easy practices to add, drink a glass of lemon water first thing every morning, you might want to use a straw to save the enamel on your teeth. Also body brush before you get in the shower. Get a long handled natural bristle brush and use long sweeping motions all over your body all towards the heart. Your skin should be dry and the brush should not be used for anything else.

i have implants..only had a mammogram once..i'm due for another...it was no big deal and not painful..i breast fed my son for a little over 2 years..my boobs look great..i love them..i would recommend silicone actually...they make the implants thicker now..or try the new gummy ones..don't get saline they're super hard..push on your shoulder that's how they feel..
i drink Kombucha drink every day...known for fighting cancer..
i've had my 1st boob job in 97 they were saline..then i swapped them out in 2000 for silicone..have had no problems.
good luck

Hello! I just want you to know that implants won't make you a better person! Your self esteem should not rest on your chest (: Vanity vanity.........be proud of who you are as is, there are no regrets.

Hi Jennifer

As a BC Survivor myself and having implants, (removed now) I have breast MRI's done instead of the "normal" Mammograms. However if you are willing you can have a lift, and forgo the implants, then there is no worry about Mammograms. Mammograms do not show the breast wall if you have implants, they only show the breast from the front of the implant. That is how it was said to me and why it was decided that I have the MRI's instead.

But totally understand about the 2 different sizes, and not fitting anything. Best of luck to you.

Hugz
D