Screening after breast implants or cosmetic surgery

Women who have had breast implants, a breast reduction, a breast lift or fat grafting can and should continue breast cancer screening at the same ages as other women. Cosmetic surgery does not remove the need for screening, and implants do not raise the risk of ordinary breast cancer. They do, however, make screening a little more complicated. Implants can hide part of the breast tissue on a standard mammogram, so radiographers take extra pictures using a technique called implant displacement views, in which the implant is gently pushed back and the breast tissue pulled forward. This gives a clearer view of the tissue in front of the implant. Tell the centre when you book and again on the day, so enough time is allowed and the staff can be careful with compression. The risk of a mammogram rupturing an implant is very low. Breast reduction, lifts and fat grafting can leave scar tissue, oil cysts and calcium deposits that may look unusual on imaging. Having earlier mammograms and your surgical records available helps the radiologist tell harmless changes from suspicious ones. Ultrasound is often used alongside mammography, and MRI may be used to check silicone implants for rupture or for high-risk screening. Any new lump, swelling, change in shape or pain should be checked promptly.

Keep screening at the usual ages

Cosmetic surgery does not replace or delay the need for screening.

Tell the centre about implants

Extra views give a clearer picture of the breast tissue.

Bring earlier images and records

Comparisons help radiologists interpret scar tissue and calcium deposits.

Screening works well after cosmetic surgery, but with some limits.

Some tissue may still be hidden

Even with extra views, a small part of the breast can be difficult to see, particularly with implants in front of the muscle.

Scar changes may lead to recalls

Unusual-looking scar tissue sometimes needs extra images or a biopsy to confirm it is harmless.

Compression may be limited

Firm capsules can make proper compression difficult, which affects image quality.

What this page cannot tell you

It cannot tell you exactly how your surgery affects your screening. Share your records with the radiology team.

Some symptoms relate to breast cancer; others to the implant itself. Both need assessment.

New lump or thickening

Any new lump in the breast or armpit should be checked with imaging.

Swelling around an implant

Late fluid build-up around a textured implant can rarely be linked to a lymphoma called BIA-ALCL and needs investigation.

Change in shape or hardness

This may be capsular contracture or rupture, which a surgeon should assess.

Implants are not lifelong devices, and screening continues alongside implant checks.

Regular implant review

Your surgeon may recommend periodic checks, including MRI or ultrasound for silicone implants, to look for silent rupture.

Report changes promptly

New swelling, hardness, pain or a change in shape should be assessed, whether it relates to the implant or the breast.

Tell every new centre

Whenever you change screening centres, tell staff about your implants and bring earlier images.