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Do You Need A Mammogram Before A Breast Reduction Surgery?

PRNewswire, London, March 7. TORONTO - Mammography screening is the best method for early breast cancer detection. With Sectra MicroDose Mammography, examinations are performed with half the radiation dose compared with any other mammography system.  (PRNewsFoto/Sectra AB)
Dr. Phillip Chang

Dr. Phillip Chang

Board Certified By The American Board of Plastic Surgeons.
Voted Top Plastic Surgeon in Loudoun, Virginia
Offices in Leesburg, Virginia.

What Is A Mammogram?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons stated in 2014 that women undergoing elective breast surgery should not have additional screening beyond existing guidelines unless there was a concern based on their medical history or a physical finding.  A new study out of Michigan reinforced these guidelines.  

Medical definition of a mammogram: A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt.

How Often Should You Have A Mammogram?

There’s some disagreement among different organizations. 

The American Cancer Society recommends women ages 40 to 44 should have a choice to start yearly screening mammograms if they would like. Women ages 45 to 54 should have a mammogram each year and those 55 years and over should continue getting mammograms every 1 to 2 years. 

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends mammograms for women between the ages of 50 and 74 every two years. 

Mammograms under 40 are not as significant because of a reduced risk for breast cancer. 

SAVE MONEY: Mammograms are not needed in patients less than 40 years of age before having a breast reduction surgery according to a new study published in JAMA Surgery.

mammogram humor humour meme cartoon

Breast reduction surgery is also called a reduction mammoplasty. It is a procedure that is often covered by insurance to reduce the size of the breast in women who have unusually large breasts that can cause discomfort such as neck and back pain associated with overly large breasts.

Erika D. Sears, M.D., M.S., a Michigan Medicine plastic surgeon studied the records of 52 thousand women having breast reduction surgery between 2009 and 2015. 

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons stated in 2014 that women undergoing elective breast surgery should not have additional screening beyond existing guidelines unless there was a concern based on their medical history or a physical finding.

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The present study found that a screening mammogram in these patients subjected them to unnecessary tests and procedures including MRIs, ultrasounds, and biopsies. Having a battery of medical tests before breast surgery may seem like a good idea; but there is no evidence to show there is a consequential benefit in detecting breast cancer prior to a breast reduction surgery. The study found that cancer was found in only 0.5 percent of the women.

Notably, other studies have found that breast cancer is found in 1% of women having breast reduction surgery.

In their study, they found that 4 percent of women ages 29 and younger received mammograms as they considered breast reduction; this compared with 0.2 percent of the population of millennial women. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Although recently controversial, the general consensus is that women should get their first mammogram at 40 years of age.  Women with a family history of breast cancer or have the “breast cancer gene BRCA” .  Women should consult with their Gynecologist for definitive recommendations

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a screening mammogram is not needed in patients before the age of 40.  They stated in 2014 that women undergoing elective breast surgery should not have additional screening beyond existing guidelines unless there was a concern based on their medical history or a physical finding. 

More than likely, yes! Our office will be happy to help you through the process of filing for coverage.

Breast reduction has the highest satisfaction rate of all plastic surgeries! Nearly all women are extremely grateful and satisfied with their appearance after the significant positive changes.

Yes, although they can be done together. If you choose to do it in addition to the reduction, a breast lift will produce a more taut and younger-looking appearance.

There are three types: the lollipop incision, the anchor incision, and the donut incision. Each involves different placements for the cuts into the breast. During the consultation, Dr. Chang will recommend the best one for you.

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Finding The Best Plastic Surgeon in Virginia

dr. chang is surrounded by the seven young ladies who work in his office

Dr. Phillip Chang is a leading plastic surgeon in Loudoun County who specializes in surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures for the breast, body, face, and skin. He is board certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is the founder of Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Leesburg, VA. Dr. Chang believes combining attentive care and minimally invasive techniques is the best avenue for achieving beautiful, natural-looking results.

Visit his office in Leesburg, Virginia in Loudoun County or fill out the contact form below for more information on how we can help you with your plastic surgery plans.

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Our office can provide you will helpful information, schedule a free consultation, and walk you through the process of having the procedure covered by your insurance.

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