Having a mammogram screening can seem scary, but it doesn’t have to. It is important to remember that it is just another part of your preventative routine. You might also wonder if you can get on your regular routine like wearing make up on your mammogram appointment.
Yes, You can wear makeup during your mammogram, but don’t apply anything to areas below your jawline. Makeup may not be removed completely from these areas and could interfere with the test results.
5 Things that Interferes with a Mammogram
Several factors can potentially interfere with a mammogram, affecting the accuracy of the results or making it more challenging to interpret the images. Here are some common factors that may interfere with a mammogram:
1. Deodorants and antiperspirants
Substances found in deodorants and antiperspirants, such as aluminum compounds, can create artifacts on mammogram images, making it difficult to detect abnormalities in the breast tissue. It’s essential to avoid applying these products to the underarm and chest area on the day of the mammogram.
2. Lotions, powders, and perfumes
Similar to deodorants and antiperspirants, lotions, powders, and perfumes can contain ingredients that produce artifacts on mammogram images, potentially obscuring abnormalities. It’s best to refrain from applying these products to the breast or underarm area before the mammogram.
3. Breast implants
Breast implants can affect the quality of mammogram images, especially if the implants are placed above the chest muscle (subglandular placement). In such cases, additional imaging techniques, such as implant displacement views or breast ultrasound, may be necessary to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the breast tissue.
4. Breastfeeding or pregnancy
Mammograms are generally not recommended for women who are pregnant or currently breastfeeding, as hormonal changes and breast tissue density during these periods can affect the interpretation of mammogram images. If breast imaging is necessary during pregnancy or breastfeeding, alternative imaging modalities, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be recommended.
4. Previous breast surgery
Previous breast surgeries, such as lumpectomy or breast reduction, can alter the appearance of breast tissue and affect the interpretation of mammogram images. It’s essential to inform the mammography technologist or radiologist about any previous breast surgeries before undergoing the screening.
5. Dense breast tissue
Dense breast tissue, which contains more glandular and fibrous tissue than fatty tissue, can make it challenging to detect abnormalities on mammogram images. Women with dense breasts may benefit from additional imaging modalities, such as breast ultrasound or MRI, to supplement mammography screening.
How to Prepare for a Mammogram
There are many things that can affect a mammogram result. These include:
1. Avoid deodorant before your mammogram
Refrain from using deodorants, antiperspirants, lotions, or powders on your underarms or chest area on the day of your mammogram. These products can interfere with the imaging process and produce false results.
2. Don’t go right before or during your menstruation
Don’t go for a mammogram screening before or during your menstruation as the breast is often tender during this period. Going for a mammogram with a tender breast might inhibit the result of the screening. To get an accurate mammogram result, go for the screening a few days after your period.
3. Avoid caffeine
Drinking coffee, tea, or caffeinated beverages can affect the quality of your mammogram. If you’re going to have a mammogram, you should avoid eating or drinking anything with caffeine for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Skip the morning coffee or tea on the day of your appointment, because caffeine can cause temporary calcification of breast tissue that might be mistaken for cancer. Caffeine is a stimulant that can temporarily increase your heart rate and blood pressure, which may affect the results of some tests.
4. Medications
Some medications can affect calcium levels in the blood and cause false positives on mammograms. These include estrogen-containing drugs such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen; and anticonvulsants used to treat seizure disorders. If you’re taking any of these medications, tell your doctor before you have a mammogram.
5. Avoid wearing one-piece outfit
It’s best to wear two pieces of clothing (pants/skirt with a top) so that you can keep your bottom half covered up during the exam. You need to be able to move your arms freely, so you may wish to wear something that you can easily slip on and off.
DO wear comfortable clothing that allows access to both breasts without being restrictive or binding (for example, avoid wearing corsets). You may need to remove all clothing except underwear for the exam; if this is the case, bring a change of clothes with you in case you need it afterward.
6. Stay Calm
While it’s normal to feel anxious or nervous before a mammogram, try to relax and stay calm during the procedure. The technologist performing the mammogram will guide you through each step and ensure your comfort and safety.
Can Makeup Affect My Mammogram Result?
Yes, makeup can affect your Mammogram result. Cosmetic products with high mineral content, such as face powders and bronzers, can cause false positives in mammogram results meaning it may be difficult for radiologists to differentiate between tumors and makeup on their scans.
However, there are several exceptions to this rule: For example, if you’re wearing a very light foundation or concealer that matches your natural skin tone perfectly and doesn’t go below your jawline, then you may be able to wear it during your procedure without affecting results.
What You Should Not Do Before a Mammogram
Before going for a mammogram, avoid using deodorants, lotions, cream, makeup under your breast and under arm to avoid inaccurate result. It’s okay to wear light makeup on your face before a mammogram examination but avoid your under arm.
Can You Eat or Drink Before Getting a Mammogram?
Yes, you can eat and drink before getting a mammogram. There are generally no dietary restrictions before undergoing a mammogram. Unlike certain medical tests or procedures that require fasting, such as blood tests or surgeries, mammography does not typically require you to abstain from eating or drinking beforehand.
However, it’s essential to avoid applying deodorants, antiperspirants, lotions, powders, or perfumes to your underarms or chest area on the day of your mammogram. These products can contain substances that may interfere with the imaging process or produce artifacts on the mammogram images, potentially affecting the accuracy of the results.
Are Mammograms Painful?
Mammograms may cause some discomfort or pressure, but they are generally not considered painful. Most women find the discomfort to be brief and tolerable, lasting only during the compression of the breast between the imaging plates. The compression is necessary to obtain clear and accurate images of the breast tissue.
If you experience significant pain during a mammogram, it’s essential to communicate with the technologist, who can adjust the compression level to ensure your comfort while still obtaining high-quality images.
How Long Does a Mammogram Take?
A mammogram typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. However, the actual imaging process itself usually lasts only a few minutes per breast. The entire appointment duration may vary depending on factors such as paperwork, changing into a gown, and any additional imaging or discussions with the healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Your makeup when going for a mammogram should not exceed your jawline and avoid getting makeup, perfume or deodorant in your under arm or under your breast.
If you are an avid makeup wearer and can’t imagine not rocking your favorite look on the day of your exam, consider scheduling your appointment at night or early in the morning when a little eyeliner and mascara won’t make much of a difference.
