If you have had a mammogram, chances are you may be familiar with breast density and what it means for mammograms and breast cancer screenings. But what does breast density mean when it comes to breast augmentation? Will denser breasts affect your ability to achieve your desired outcome and affect your results? Here we take a closer look at what breast density is and its effects on breast implants.
What Is Breast Density?
Breast tissue is made up of fat, fibrous tissue, and glandular tissue. The ratio of these tissues is different for every woman, with some having more fat than others. Brain density is a radiologic term used to identify this ratio. Breasts with more fatty tissue allow for a clearer view of the breast by mammogram while more dense breast tissue makes it more difficult to see potential masses. Breast density is broken down into four categories:
- Category A (Fatty) – Breast is composed mostly of fatty tissue, allowing for a clear image of the breast.
- Category B (Scattered Fibroglandular) – Breast is mostly fatty tissue with scattered areas of glandular and fibrous tissue.
- Category C (Heterogeneously Dense) – Higher ratio of glandular and fibrous tissue compared to fat.
- Category D (Extremely Dense) – Breast is mostly composed of glandular and fibrous tissue, making it more difficult to see masses.
On average, at least half of all women fall into category C or D, meaning they have dense breasts. Often this means that they may have a higher risk of breast cancer and your physician may recommend additional breast screening tests, such as 3D mammography, ultrasounds, or MRIs to aid in breast cancer screenings and mass identification.
How Breast Density Affects Breast Augmentation
When it comes to breast augmentation and breast implants, breast density is not really a concern. During a breast augmentation, breast implants are placed underneath the breast tissue, not within it, meaning the breast tissue sits above the implant and does not affect the results of your augmentation. In fact, a recent study shows that there is no statistical difference in breast augmentation results between the four different density categories.
Whether you have been told you have fatty or dense breast tissue, a breast augmentation can still deliver the results you are looking for. If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation, the team at Castellano Cosmetic Surgery can answer all your questions and help you achieve your body contouring goals. Call 813-872-6093 today to schedule a consultation.
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Author: Dr. Joseph Castellano
Dr. Joseph Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. After medical school and residency, Dr. Castellano returned home and has opened a practice in Tampa, Florida focusing on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. He is a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, American College of Surgeons, and American Medical Association
