Improved imaging of the augmented breast.

The breast containing an augmentation implant presents a challenge to the mammographer and is often considered unsuitable for adequate mammographic evaluation. A modified positioning technique is described. By displacing the implant posteriorly against the chest wall and pulling breast tissue over and in front of the implant, marked improvement in compression and visualization of substantially more breast tissue is achieved. Over 250 patients with augmentation implants have been successfully studied with this modified compression technique. After review of 50 consecutive cases, two experienced mammographers confirmed a significant improvement in image quality, amount of breast tissue visualized, and overall benefit of the modified technique. Modified positioning for women with breast implants substantially improves both image quality and amount of breast tissue imaged.