You’re not alone if you’re considering breast augmentation. According to research done by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), more than 300,000 people underwent breast augmentation in 2018. That’s an increase from 2017, when plastic surgeons performed just over 290,000 procedures. This increase has led to some myths about the procedure.
You may have heard a few of these myths yourself, repeated them, or may not have had your breast augmentation yet. Keep reading to sift fact from fiction:
Myth 1: Breast Augmentation Feels Unnatural
A variety of techniques exist for placing breast-like tissue in the body. Since many implants feel very similar to real flesh, patients can now have breast-like tissue implanted using silicone implants. Preventing scar tissue build-up, determining implant placement under or over the chest muscle, and gently massaging the breasts while they heal from breast augmentation surgery may help the breast tissue to remain supple.
Myth 2: Breast Augmentation Looks Unnatural
On the contrary, new technology and techniques make distinguishing between natural breasts and implants challenging. During a consultation, the size and shape of each breast augmentation are tailored to each patient. Examples include measurements and goals. This leads to natural results.
Myth 3: Breast Augmentation Interferes with Breastfeeding
Breast augmentation isn’t usually viewed as something women can’t do if they want to breastfeed. However, size and placement of breast implants may or may not have an impact, and it is hard to tell if you are in that tiny percentage of women affected by it, until you decide to breastfeed.
Myth 4: Implants Need Regular Replacement
Unless a problem arises, you don’t need to replace your implants. Many women have had their implants for more than two decades, and they’re still soft and look natural. However, the most common problem with saline implants is leakage, which occurs when the implant breaks or leaks. This is not dangerous and can be treated by replacing the implant.
Myth 5: Loss of Sensation Happens Post-Procedure
After breast augmentation, some women may experience a temporary loss of nipple sensation. Nerves in the skin and surrounding tissues heal after the surgery, making the nerves more sensitive and even more responsive to a wide range of sensations. Some women have experienced permanent nipple sensation loss after surgery, but these incidents are very rare.
Myth 6: Results Are Immediate
The chest muscles tighten during the breast augmentation procedure, causing the implants to rest higher than they will when fully healed. The swelling within the chest might even cause the breasts to swell outward. The swelling will subside, however. Your final results will be visible at least 8 to 12 weeks post-surgery.
If you’re getting implants before a significant event like a wedding or a high school reunion, it’s best to plan your augmentation in advance, so you have enough time to heal.
Myth 7: Saline Implants Are Better than Silicone Ones
Saline and silicone gel implants are both excellent choices. Neither is better than the other. It is always down to the patient’s preference.
- Saline implants feel like natural breast tissue and have a more round shape which some people find less natural looking. Since the plastic surgeon can fill them once they’re placed inside the body, the size of saline implants is more customizable than the silicone ones.
- Silicone implants are softer and feel closer to natural breast tissue. Unlike it may happen with saline implants, silicone ones do not tend to create wrinkles or ripples in the skin.
Both saline implants and silicone gel implants may rupture during the patient’s life span, and both may require additional mammograms follow-up to ensure the correct image reading.
Conclusion
As you can see, breast augmentation procedures are safe and lead to many positive outcomes when done by an experienced plastic surgeon. Thus, we highly recommend consulting with a seasoned plastic surgeon with experience treating multiple types of patients to get the most natural look and feel possible. That way, you’ll look and feel fabulous every step of the way!
Book your free cosmetic consultation for breast augmentation in Torrance, CA, at Peninsula Plastic Surgery today! We also provide patients with mommy makeovers to get their pre-baby bodies back! Contact us today!