August 5, 2025
Taking care of your body is one of the most personal, empowering choices you can make. Your health, your comfort, and how you feel in your skin matter especially when it comes to your breasts. Whether you’re simply being proactive or preparing for a procedure like breast reduction or reconstruction, knowing your body well is the first step.
Performing a breast self-exam (BSE) regularly is not just about checking for signs of illness. It’s about reconnecting with your body, identifying changes early, and giving yourself the best chance to stay in control. It’s also a vital step in planning breast procedures because understanding what’s normal for you gives both you and your surgeon a clear picture of your breast health.
At Kansas Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kenton Schoonover combines medical expertise with compassion, helping women across Wichita, Kansas City, and beyond take charge of their health through personalized care and surgical options tailored to each individual.
Performing a monthly breast self-exam is one of the most powerful yet simple tools you have. Regular BSEs help you detect unusual lumps, skin changes, nipple discharge, or asymmetry early, before they become more serious concerns. While not a substitute for mammograms or clinical screenings, BSEs increase your familiarity with your breast tissue so that you can spot even small differences.
Beyond health monitoring, self-exams also support the planning of cosmetic or reconstructive procedures. By understanding the texture, contour, and natural structure of your breasts, you’re more informed and prepared when exploring options like breast reduction or reconstruction. This allows Dr. Schoonover to tailor procedures with even more accuracy, ensuring that aesthetics, functionality, and long-term comfort are in alignment with your body.
More than just a medical task, breast self-exams can become an empowering habit, giving you the confidence that you’re staying connected to your body and actively supporting your own health journey.
Timing plays an important role in getting accurate results from your breast self-exam. Hormonal changes throughout your cycle can affect how your breasts feel, so the best time to perform a BSE is 5–7 days after the end of your period, when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender.
For women who no longer menstruate, choose a consistent day each month, such as the first or last day of the month, and stick to it. The key is consistency because the more familiar you are with your breast tissue, the easier it becomes to notice changes, however subtle they may be.
If you’re considering surgery or already have an upcoming consultation at Kansas Plastic Surgery, keeping up with monthly exams will help you bring valuable information into the conversation with Dr. Schoonover, especially when discussing options like breast reconstruction or reduction.
Doing a breast self-exam doesn’t need to feel clinical or intimidating. Set aside a few minutes in a quiet, private space. Here’s how to do it:
Stand in front of a mirror with your arms relaxed at your sides. Look at your breasts and check for visible changes like new asymmetry, dimpling of the skin, bulging, or changes in nipple position. Now raise your arms above your head and repeat the visual inspection. Look from multiple angles and consider leaning forward to check for changes in how the breast hangs or moves.
With wet, soapy hands, it’s easier to glide across the skin and feel underlying tissue. Use the pads of your three middle fingers to make circular motions, moving from the outside of the breast inward toward the nipple. Cover the entire surface, including the underarm area, where lymph nodes are located. Use light pressure for surface tissue, medium pressure for middle tissue, and firm pressure to feel deeper layers.
Lie flat on your back with a small pillow or towel under your right shoulder. Use your left hand to examine your right breast using the same circular technique. Switch sides and repeat. Lying down spreads the breast tissue more evenly, making it easier to detect lumps or firm areas.
Gently squeeze each nipple and check for any discharge, inversion, or unusual sensation. Nipple changes may indicate hormonal shifts or other underlying issues. While some variation is normal, any new or persistent discharge, especially if bloody, should prompt a visit to your healthcare provider.
As a final tip, keep a journal or note in your phone after each self-exam. If you feel something unusual, jot down the time and place. This helps identify patterns and is helpful during consultations with Dr. Schoonover.
Every woman’s breasts are naturally different, and small variations in size, shape, or texture are completely normal. The goal of a breast self-exam isn’t to diagnose problems; it’s to become familiar with what’s normal for your body, so you can quickly recognize when something changes.
During your exam, pay attention to anything that feels unusual. A new lump, a firm area that wasn’t there before, changes in skin texture like dimpling, or unexplained redness could signal a need for professional evaluation. Shifts in nipple direction, discharge, or swelling that don’t go away should also be brought to your doctor’s attention.
While many of these signs are harmless, staying aware helps you act early if something needs attention. If you’re planning a procedure like breast reduction or reconstruction, bringing your observations to Dr. Kenton Schoonover can help guide a more informed and personalized approach at Kansas Plastic Surgery.
If something feels off, trust your instincts. Breast changes should never be ignored, especially if they persist for more than a few weeks or worsen over time.
Don’t wait for your next routine exam or mammogram. Schedule a consultation or evaluation with a healthcare provider, or reach out to Kansas Plastic Surgery directly if you’ve been considering a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure. Self-awareness is the first step, but expert insight is where clarity and confidence come in.
During your consultation, Dr. Schoonover will review your history, conduct a professional evaluation, and explain how findings from your BSE may impact your surgical planning, whether that’s a lift, reduction, or full reconstruction.
Choosing a plastic surgery clinic is a deeply personal decision, and it deserves thought, trust, and connection. At Kansas Plastic Surgery, patients are met with warmth, respect, and a high standard of clinical care. Dr. Kenton Schoonover is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast reconstruction, reduction, and cosmetic procedures.
But his approach goes far beyond surgical skill. Patients appreciate his compassion, his attention to detail, and his commitment to listening. Whether you’re preparing for a procedure or simply want peace of mind about changes in your breasts, you’ll never feel rushed or dismissed. Consultations are comprehensive and collaborative.
Once a month. Ideally, 5–7 days after your period ends, or on the same day each month if you’re postmenopausal.
Don’t panic. Schedule a clinical breast exam or consultation. Most lumps are benign, but early evaluation is key.
Yes. Knowing your breast tissue helps during consultations for procedures like Breast reconstruction and reduction. It gives your surgeon a more accurate picture of your anatomy.
There’s no physical risk, but it’s important not to self-diagnose. Always consult a medical professional if something feels off.
Absolutely. BSEs are a complement to, not a replacement for, mammograms and clinical screenings.
