Breast Implants for Women with Fibrocystic Breast Disorder

Fibrocystic breast disorder is exceedingly common among women. So much so, in fact, that as many as half of all women of childbearing age may have had symptoms of fibrocyst formation in their breasts at one time or another. In most cases, women may not even realize that they have fibrocysts. Women who have regularly recurring, or particularly painful cysts, are said to have fibrocystic breast disorder. The condition is most often seen among women between the ages of 30 and 50, although it has also been seen in women younger than 30.

Of course, the dilemma for women in their 20s and 30s who have fibrocystic breast disorder is that they may be considering breast augmentation, but are not certain if it will be possible, given their condition. The staff at Jefferson Plastic Surgery sees many of these women for consultations.

What Are Fibrocysts?

In women with fibrocysts, lumpy or ropey connective tissue will form in the breasts. Although researchers are not sure of the exact cause, there is speculation that it may be related to the estrogen reproductive hormone. This cyst formation is linked to the menstrual cycle, so women may notice it more in the week leading up to their period. The breasts may feel lumpy, tender, swollen, or painful, most likely on the upper outside edges of the breasts, near the armpits. There may also be non-bloody discharge leaking from the nipples. These symptoms occur in both breasts at the same time.

Women should look for lumps that are particularly large, hard, or thick as part of a general breast self-examination routine. In most cases, symptoms will not be severe enough to require intervention. If the cysts are particularly hard or painful, a doctor may recommend needle aspiration, in which a fine needle is used to drain fluid from the cysts. In rarer cases, the entire cyst may be removed.

Can Women with Fibrocystic Breast Disorder get Breast Augmentation?

Although women with fibrocystic breast disorder can safely undergo a breast augmentation procedure, there are several considerations. Many women who show regular symptoms of fibrocystic breast disorder will undergo a yearly mammogram, particularly if the cysts are very hard or dense.

Breast implants will often make it more difficult to properly see any changes to the breast. If there are hard cysts in the breasts, the breast implants may make it even more difficult to detect potentially cancerous changes. During an annual mammogram, the radiologist can perform what is known as an Eckland view of the breasts, which will also make it easier to detect any changes in augmented breasts. Breast implants should be placed behind the muscles of the chest (sub-pectoral placement), which will also make it easier for ultrasound viewing of any breast changes.

Women with fibrocystic breasts who want breast implants should work closely with the surgeons at Jefferson Plastic Surgery, their gynecologist, and primary care physician. This will provide patients with the look and feel they want from their augmented breasts, yet still allow for proper viewing of any potentially cancerous changes to the breasts.