In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s talk about the importance of self-breast exams for women with breast implants. Whether you have had a breast augmentation, lift, or fat grafting, regular self-exams are crucial. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, and self-exams can help detect it early when treatment is most effective. In this blog, we will discuss why self-exams are essential and provide a step-by-step guide on how to perform them with implants.
Let’s start by breaking down why self-breast exams are your first line of defense when it comes to early breast cancer detection.
Early Detection of Breast Cancer:
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, and self-exams can help catch it early. This gives you the best chance of successful treatment if something is wrong.
Understanding Your New Normal:
After getting implants, your breasts will feel different. Regular self-exams help you get familiar with how your breasts and implants should feel so you can notice any unusual changes.
Monitoring Your Implants:
Self-exams allow you to check for any changes in your implants, such as shifting or deflation, and help you catch any problems early before they become serious.
Supporting Medical Exams:
While mammograms are important, self-exams help you stay aware of your breast health between doctor visits.
Confidence and Control:
Regular self-exams help you feel more in control of your health and give you peace of mind, knowing you are checking for changes that could signal an issue.
Incorporating self-exams into your regular routine is a powerful way to stay proactive about your breast health. By staying familiar with both your natural breast tissue and your implants, you can quickly detect any changes and take action sooner rather than later. Now, let’s walk through the steps for performing a self-breast exam if you have implants properly so you can feel confident and in control of your health.
How to Perform a Self-Breast Exam with Implants
Step 1: Give yourself time to heal.
If you have recently had surgery, your breasts will feel different for a while. It’s normal for them to feel a bit lumpy as they heal, so don't panic! What’s key is learning your new normal. Ask your surgeon to help you understand how your implant feels compared to your natural breast tissue. This way, you’ll know what to expect moving forward.
Step 2: Get comfortable.
Most women find it easier to do their self-exams while lying down or in the shower. Find the position that works best for you and stick to it. Being consistent will make it easier to notice if something changes over time.
Step 3: Use your fingers to check your breasts.
With three fingers, gently press around your breast tissue. Start in your armpit and move in circles across your breast, making sure to check the areas surrounding it, too. Take your time to make sure you are checking the entire area.
Step 4: Check yourself in the mirror.
Stand in front of a mirror with your arms raised above your head. Take a good look at your breasts—check the shape, size, and position of your breasts and nipples. This step helps you spot any unusual changes, like if your implants shift or deflate or if you notice puckering of the skin. These things are rare, but it's good practice to keep an eye out just in case.
Step 5: Don’t ignore anything unusual.
If you notice a lump or any irregularity, it’s crucial to contact your doctor right away. When it comes to your health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Your healthcare provider can arrange a mammogram or other tests to ensure everything is okay. Be sure to inform them that you have implants or have undergone breast augmentation so that they can tailor the exam and imaging process for more accurate results.
Step 6: Make it a routine.
Aim to do a self-breast exam every month. Regular exams help you spot any changes early, which is super important for early detection. Consistency is everything when it comes to keeping an eye on your health!
By making self-exams a regular part of your routine, you can help protect yourself and take control of your breast health. Breast cancer awareness is about more than just a single month—it’s about staying informed and proactive all year long!
If you are considering breast augmentation or have concerns about your current implants, don’t hesitate to contact our office. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced providers, who will guide you through the best options for your aesthetic goals and healthcare needs. We're here to support you every step of the way!
