Recent Report On Breast Augmentation Explained

As breast augmentation becomes more and more popular among women, scientists and surgeons continually research not only the best procedures, but also the risks involved in those procedures. Earlier this year, a British medical journal reported that breast implants “adversely affects the survival of women” later diagnosed with breast cancer. The report is based on what is called a “meta-analysis” of 12 previous studies. A meta-analysis is when the results of previous studies are statistically analyzed. All of the studies confirmed that breast implants posed no risk in causing cancer; implants cannot cause cancer. This analysis, however, concluded that breast cancer might be diagnosed in later stages. All patients should be informed of risks involved in any surgical procedure.

One surgeon, Dr Jennifer Walden, analyzed the analysis and came to some important conclusions herself. Walden explained that that many of the studies involved did not look at age, Body Mass Index, or the fact that weight confers added risk to contracting breast cancer. I noticed the report did not mention if the studies involved the assessment of genetic factors and the variations of the BRCA1, BRCA2, CDH1, STK11, and TP53 genes that also increase the risk of developing breast cancer. This report stated as part of the conclusion that, “These findings should be interpreted with caution, as some studies included in the meta-analysis on survival did not adjust for potential confounders. Further investigations are warranted regarding diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer among women with breast implants.” If you enjoy reading research, you can read this “systematic review and meta-analysis” yourself. If you do not like statistics, just read the beginning then jump down to the discussion and conclusion.

No one denies that mammograms are critical for the early detection of breast cancer. No one denies that a breast implant may obscure part of the breast. Any surgeon will tell you must have your mammograms, and if you have implants you must have your mammograms performed and interpreted by specialists trained in imaging breasts that have implants. What has been found is that implant placement is a variable in tumor detection. Please watch Dr. Walden as she discusses these aspects of the issue in her video Breast implants and cancer detection .

At Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery we want you to be informed of any risks involved in any procedure, the follow and recovery time required, and long term care. Mammograms and MRIs are part of a breast augmentation patient’s long term care. Be sure to ask about where to get your mammograms during after your breast augmentation. Be sure to ask any questions you have during your consultation as well.

Dr. Branman

Call Melinda at the front desk to set up a consultation 501-227-0707