Regular breast self-examination is a simple yet powerful way to stay in tune with your body. While most breast changes are harmless, knowing how to check your breasts can help you detect anything unusual early—and early detection can make a significant difference.
At , we believe that breast awareness is an essential part of self-care, no matter your age, shape, or size. Whether you’ve had cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation, hybrid breast enhancement, or a breast lift, understanding your breast health remains just as important.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of how to examine your breast, step-by-step instructions, what changes to watch for, and when to seek professional advice.
Why Breast Self-Examination Matters
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the UK, but many signs can be caught early—if you know what to look for. Doing regular breast self-examinations helps you become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts so you can identify changes early.
Even if you’ve had cosmetic breast procedures, such as implants or fat transfer, self-checks are still safe and highly recommended. In fact, being familiar with your new breast shape and how your tissue feels post-procedure can help you stay even more aware of your baseline.
How to Check Your Breasts: When and How Often
Experts recommend checking your breasts once a month. The best time is a few days after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. If you no longer menstruate, choose a consistent date each month.
Breast Self-Examination Steps: How to Examine Your Breast
Knowing the proper breast self-examination steps can make your check more effective. Here’s a simple guide:
Step 1: Look in the Mirror
Stand with your shoulders straight and arms at your sides. Look at your breasts for:
- Changes in shape or size
- Visible lumps or swelling
- Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
- Changes in the nipple (inversion, redness, or scaling)
- Any unusual discharge
Raise your arms overhead and repeat, checking how your breasts move and whether both sides appear symmetrical.
Step 2: Check While Lying Down
Lie flat on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder. Use the pads of the fingers on your left hand to feel your right breast in small circular motions. Cover the entire area—from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from the armpit to the cleavage.
Use light, medium, and firm pressure to feel all levels of tissue. Repeat on the other side.
Step 3: Check in the Shower
Some people find it easier to feel changes when their skin is wet. Raise one arm and use the opposite hand to examine your breast using the same circular motion.
Be thorough, but don’t rush. The whole process takes just a few minutes.
What to Look For When Checking Breasts
So, what to look for when checking breasts? Not all lumps or changes are cancer, but you should monitor and report anything unusual:
- A new lump or thickened area in the breast or underarm
- Swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the skin
- Changes in size, shape, or symmetry
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Itchy, scaly, or flaky skin around the nipple
- Nipple discharge (especially if bloody or from one side only)
- Sudden inversion of the nipple
- Breast pain that doesn’t go away
If you notice anything persistent or new, book an appointment with your GP or breast specialist. It’s always better to get it checked—even if it turns out to be harmless.
Can You Perform Breast Checks If You’ve Had Surgery?
Yes. Whether you’ve had breast procedures like breast augmentation, hybrid breast augmentation, or a breast lift (mastopexy), you can and should continue regular self-exams. After surgery, your breasts may feel different due to scar tissue or the position of implants or transferred fat, but once healing is complete, you’ll become familiar with your new normal.
Post-surgical tip: It can be helpful to ask your surgeon what to expect in terms of texture, firmness, and appearance so you can accurately monitor changes over time.
When to See a Professional
While regular self-checks are important, they don’t replace clinical breast exams or mammograms. Contact your GP or specialist if you:
- Notice a new or persistent lump
- Experience breast pain that doesn’t go away
- Observe any skin or nipple changes
- Have a family history of breast cancer
- Are over 50 and haven’t had a routine screening recently
Breast Health After Cosmetic Procedures
Cosmetic surgery can enhance breast shape, symmetry, and confidence—but it’s important to understand that it doesn’t protect against medical breast issues. Whether you’ve had a mummy makeover or a standalone procedure, regular checks remain essential.
In fact, if you’re planning a breast procedure, your surgeon may require a baseline breast screening beforehand. This ensures safety and supports peace of mind.
Consulting with a Leading Plastic Surgeon at Breast & Body Clinic UK
Choosing to undergo surgery can be a significant step. By understanding more about the procedures, you can make informed decisions about the best options for your unique needs.
If you’re considering a breast procedure, speak to our friendly team today and book a free consultation. At , we can help you determine the most suitable approach for your individual goals and expectations. Our experienced cosmetic surgeons will guide you through the process, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.
FAQs
How often should I check my breasts?
Experts recommend performing a breast self-examination once a month. The best time is a few days after your period ends when your breasts are less tender and swollen. If you don’t menstruate, set a recurring date each month to stay consistent with your checks.
How do I examine my breast correctly?
To properly examine your breast, use a combination of visual and physical checks. Look for changes in size, shape, or skin texture in the mirror. Then, use the pads of your fingers to feel the entire breast in circular motions while lying down, standing, or in the shower. Follow structured breast self-examination steps for a thorough check.
What should I look for when checking my breasts?
Key signs include new lumps or thickened areas, skin dimpling, nipple changes, or unusual discharge. When asking yourself what to look for when checking breasts, also pay attention to pain, swelling, or changes in symmetry. Anything that feels new or persistent should be reviewed by a healthcare provider.
Can I still check my breasts if I’ve had implants or breast surgery?
Yes, and you should. Whether you’ve had breast augmentation, a breast lift, or hybrid augmentation, regular checks are still essential. After healing, get familiar with your new normal and report any changes around the implant or breast tissue to your doctor.
The information on the website is for general guidance only and cannot be used as a basis to make a surgical decision, an initial consultation with our doctor is required to help patients make an informed decision before proceeding with any surgical procedure. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek the opinion of an appropriately qualified health practitioner
