Before your Visit

Before your Visit
Astrana Breast Center’s commitment to patient care begins even before your appointment. Our procedures are designed to ensure a smooth, efficient experience while promoting comfort, quality of care, and timely access to needed services. We understand the importance of preparation, and our team is here to guide you through each step.
We can help you with:
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Scheduling and confirming your appointment
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Preparing medical records, imaging, or referrals for review
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Understanding what to expect during your visit
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Guidance on insurance coverage and health plan benefits
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Connecting you with support resources
How to Prepare for a Mammogram
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Bring a photo ID and insurance card (if insured).
- Arrive 15–30 minutes early to complete forms.
- Wear a two-piece outfit (you’ll remove your top only).
- Avoid deodorant, lotions, perfumes, or powders under arms or on breasts the day of your exam.
- Bring prior mammogram/ultrasound CDs or facility information so we can request your images.
- Tell us about breast symptoms, surgeries, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or implants.
The Day Before: Confirm your appointment, gather your ID and prior imaging, and take your usual over-the-counter pain reliever if needed (as approved by your clinician).
The Day Of: Skip deodorant/lotions, wear a two-piece outfit, and take regular medications unless told otherwise.
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A technologist positions your breast on the imaging plate. A paddle gently compresses the breast for a few seconds to spread the tissue and create a clear picture.
- Compression should not be painful; tell us if you’re uncomfortable so we can adjust.
- You can return to normal activities immediately.
- A radiologist reviews your images. Your results are sent to you and your clinician—typically within a few days.
- If we need more images, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong; it’s common and helps us see clearly.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have implants or prior breast surgery/biopsy
- Recently noticed a new lump, skin, or nipple changes
- Have mobility limits, a pacemaker, or need an interpreter
- Need prior images transferred from another facility
- Does it hurt? You’ll feel brief pressure, not pain.
- Is radiation exposure high? No — mammograms use low-dose X-rays under strict safety standards.
- Can I wear deodorant? Please avoid it — it can appear on the images.
- What if I’m on my period? You can still come; if tender, try scheduling days 7–14 of your cycle.
Need to reschedule or have questions?
📞 (626) 752-0838 🕒 9:00am – 5:00pm
We’re here to help and happy to assist with language or accessibility needs.
We know that breast exams and biopsies can feel a little uncertain — but you’re not alone.
Our care team will walk you through exactly what to expect and how to prepare.
When you call, we’ll go over:
- What to wear and what to avoid
- How to manage medications or sensitivities
- What to bring (IDs, prior images, or reports)
- What happens during and after your procedure
Call Astrana Breast Center — we’ll make sure you feel confident before you arrive.
Contact Our Breast Center Team
Get in touch with us today. We’re here to help and answer your questions.