Top Ten Myths about Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation is the number one plastic surgery for 2006, the most recent year for which statistics exist. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 329,000 breast augmentation procedures were done in’06.

Myth #1: Breast Implants Cause Cancer
Studies and experimental data have not been able to link breast implants with cancer.

Myth #2: Breast Implants Must be Removed Every 10 Years
No specific data exists on the duration for implant replacement. Implants may last a lifetime or only a few years depending on various medical factors.

Myth #3: An Underwire Bra Should Never Be Worn with Implants
Underwire bras can be worn after healing. Over time, without proper support, the weight of the implants can create significant sagginess and stretch the breast tissue and skin. An underwire bra can prevent that.


A silicone breast implant

Myth #4: Shaped Implants are more Natural than Round Implants
Imaging studies have shown that both shaped, or anatomical, and round implants appear to have a similar natural slope when properly placed under the chest muscle. One complication of the shaped version: the implant bag can rotate and lead to disfigurement.

Myth #5: Loss of Nipple Sensitivity is Associated Only with the Periareolar Surgical Approach (through the nipple area).
Numbness can occur from any surgical approach if the nerves are stretched or traumatized during surgery.

Myth#6: Mammograms are Not Possible with Implants
Placing silicone or saline implants under the chest muscle helps with Displacement Technique Mammography and allows excellent results.

Myth#7: Over 50 Women Should not have Breast Augmentation
Patients of any age may undergo implant surgery as long as they are healthy, in good medical condition and free of breast cancer. Lab work is required for all surgical candidates while a routine mammogram is required for anyone over the age of 35 or with a family history of breast cancer.


A patient selects a breast implant

Myth#8: The Most Common Reason for Reopening the Incision is the Patient’s Desire to Remove the Implant Entirely
Actually, deflation (18 percent) and capsular contracture (also 18 percent) are the top reasons for reopening or undergoing a second procedure.

Myth#9: More Women Want to Go Larger on the Next Surgery, Believing They Went Too Small at First
That is not a myth but a true statement! Women get used to the swelling that generally occurs during the first two to three months after surgery. When the swelling subsides, they miss the fuller feeling and ask to have slightly larger implants put in.

Myth#10: It’s Easy to Detect a Rupture or Tear in a Silicone Gel Implant
Silicone ruptures are often silent because the implant holds its shape and may go undetected for years. An MRI is the most definitive method for determining a rupture or tear.

Source: Stuart A. Linder, M.D. F.A.C.S.
from his book, The Beverly Hills Shape: The Truth about Plastic Surgery.