Flying Horse Medical Center | Colorado Springs & Monument | Concierge Medicine, Plastic Surgery, Aesthetics, Psychiatry

Getting a Mammogram When You Have Breast Implants

Dr. Millicent Geers

Mammograms are x-rays of the breasts. These x-rays are then examined by radiologists — doctors trained to look for any suspicious findings consistent with breast cancer. Mammograms are essential for the early detection of breast cancer. In the United States, women are encouraged to start breast screening with mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history of early breast cancer or a genetic disposition to breast cancer, your screening may start even earlier. All women with breast tissue, whether augmented or not, should be screened for breast cancer.

It is important for all women considering breast implants and all women who currently have implants to know that having implants will affect your breast cancer screening. Breast implants can prevent some of your breast tissue from being fully visualized on your mammogram. Implants that have been placed in a pocket behind the pectoralis muscle will allow more visualization of your breast tissue than implants placed in a pocket in front of your pectoralis muscle. Extra views of the breast may be needed in order to achieve a more complete examination of your breasts, regardless of the pocket in which they are placed.

Breast implants are not associated with an increased risk of getting breast cancer. Your risk for breast cancer is tied to but not limited to such factors such as age, being overweight, having a family history of breast cancer, or inheriting certain genetic mutations linked to breast cancer.

On the other hand, the risk for cancer of the capsule that forms around the breast implant is increased with breast implant augmentation. This is capsule cancer is not the same as breast cancer. These cancers of the capsule include breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC), and other lymphomas.

If you have breast implants continue your routine screening. When you schedule your mammogram, make sure to tell the appointment scheduler that you have breast implants. When you arrive for your mammogram, again mention that you have breast implants.

Concierge Membership Medical Services at Flying Horse Medical Center

Concierge Medicine vs Direct Primary Care

We Are Both, Concierge Medicine and Direct Primary Care

Flying Horse Medical Center was started as a Concierge Medicine practice, and they have always been Direct Primary Care. Dr. Fraser and his colleagues give personal, one on one care to each patient and listen to the patient to understand what the root of the problem may be. They listen to their patients and make collaborative decisions, so the patient has a voice in their overall care. Dr. Fraser and his team take a holistic approach from all directions and encourages our patients to create lifestyle changes rather than seeking a quick fix. You can take the facts: Minimal lobby wait times, prompt access to your provider, and unlimited access. But the bonus is the excellent relationship between provider and patients. Don’t take our word for it? Come try it for yourself! BOOK NOW

What is Concierge Medicine?

Concierge medicine is a relatively new approach to primary care that aims to provide a more personalized and enhanced doctor-patient relationship. To gain access to this elevated level of care, patients pay a membership fee to a primary physician. Concierge medicine typically provides a level of access to your physician that is unachievable in a traditional doctor-patient arrangement.

Direct Primary Care | DPC

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is an innovative alternative payment model improving access to high functioning healthcare with a simple, flat, affordable membership fee. No fee-for-service payments. No third-party billing. The defining element of DPC is an enduring and trusting relationship between a patient and his or her primary care provider.

Services and Options for YOU and YOUR FAMILY!

Flying Horse Medical Center is a one stop shop. You can come in to see your primary care provider and leave meeting one of our many aestheticians. They have created a community within their four walls with drawing in talented professionals and creating space for them to grow within the business. They have multiple services which include Family Medicine, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Aesthetics, Permanent Makeup, Sports Medicine, Women’s Health, Psychiatry and Plastic Surgery. Not all these services fall under the Concierge Medicine coverage, but don’t worry, we have a CLUB for that!

Tag: Women’s Health