A system has an imaging system housing and an x-ray source, thereto, a compression arm assembly housing, a support, and a detector. A paddle is disposed between the support and the x-ray source. A bottom surface of the paddle at least partially defines a plane. When in a rest position, the plane is substantially parallel to the support. A pivot mechanism connects the paddle to the compression arm assembly housing. The pivot mechanism defines an axis of rotation substantially parallel to a sagittal plane of the patient. The pivot mechanism has at least one biasing element for biasing the paddle into the rest position.
