Common myths about breast augmentation and implants
Breast augmentation surgery, also known as a ‘boob job’ is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the UK. Centre for Surgery is one of the leading plastic surgery clinics in London, and our surgeons carry out hundreds of breast implants and breast fat transfer procedures each year at our Baker Street clinic in London. Here, we help dispel many of the myths surrounding breast augmentation to help you make better informed choices to help achieve natural-looking results.
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Breast augmentation is known for producing incredibly high patient satisfaction rates, although it is still an invasive procedure involving certain risks which may cause many women to be fearful of undergoing surgery. There is an increasing amount of conflicting information surrounding the procedure, with several myths surrounding breast augmentation and achievable results. Examples of false statements and myths about breast implants and breast enlargement surgery include the following:
- Silicone breast implants are dangerous and can cause cancer.
- Breast implants can prevent me from breastfeeding.
- Breast implants have a high risk of rupture.
- Breast implants will help me to achieve the same result as my friend’s breast augmentation.
- Breast augmentation is very painful.
These are just some of the common misconceptions about breast augmentation. This article covers all of the common myths about breast augmentation.
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Breast augmentation – myths and facts
Saline breast implants are the best type of implant – MYTH
Saline breast implants are no longer used in the UK as they have a high risk of implant rupture and sudden deflation. Although saline implant rupture is not dangerous, revision surgery will be required to remove and replace the implants. Saline implants have a higher risk of rippling and have a less natural feel than silicone implants.
Breast implants will make my breasts look fake – MYTH.
There are a wide variety of breast implants available, and they come in different sizes and shapes. When correctly chosen, breast implants rarely look fake. The best way to achieve natural-looking results after breast augmentation surgery is to have an in-depth consultation with your surgeon to discuss your needs and desires.
RELATED: Round vs teardrop implants – choosing the best breast implant shape
Breast augmentation can only be carried out under general anaesthesia – MYTH.
Although breast augmentation is routinely performed under general anaesthetic at Centre for Surgery, it is possible to have the procedure with intravenous sedation and local anaesthesia if you are not keen on general anaesthesia. We use total intravenous anaesthesia at our clinic, which is considered one of the safest forms of general anaesthesia.
Breast augmentation can be performed by any type of surgeon – MYTH
Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed procedures in London, although the procedure certainly cannot be performed by any surgeon. We recommend you only choose a fully certified plastic surgeon to carry out your breast augmentation procedure. Be aware that a ‘cosmetic surgeon’ is not the same as a fully credentialled consultant plastic surgeon. Many cosmetic surgeons have only a basic medical degree and have not completed training in plastic surgery. The risks of substandard results are considerably higher by choosing surgeons inexperienced in this type of surgery.
Always check if your surgeon is on the GMC specialist register for plastic surgery, and be sure to check reviews and testimonials of patients who have had breast augmentation surgery with them.
Breast implants will feel fake after surgery – MYTH
There are many different types of breast implants available in different textures, sizes, shapes, and internal filler material. Silicone breast implants are most commonly used in the UK. The latest generation breast implants have a natural feel and consistency. Here at Centre for Surgery, we prefer to use Mentor implants due to their natural feel and excellent track record of safety.
I will not be able to breastfeed after having a breast augmentation – MYTH
This is a common myth found online, with many women believing they cannot breastfeed after having breast implants. It is entirely possible to breastfeed babies after breast augmentation surgery. Your surgeon is skilled in several techniques which are designed to preserve breastfeeding ability.
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Breast implants should be changed every ten years or even earlier – MYTH
Older generations of breast implants often require replacement every ten years. The latest generation breast implants are designed to last longer than ten years. If your implants are not causing any problems and you are happy with their appearance, there is no need to have them removed even after ten years.
RELATED: What are common breast implant problems?
It is important to remember that the risk of implant-related complications increases after ten years, including implant rupture or capsular contracture. Your plastic surgeon can advise you about the need to have your implants removed if you are concerned.
RELATED: How do I know when my breast implants need replacing?
There is only one surgical technique for breast augmentation – MYTH
Breast augmentation surgery is tailored to the individual patient. The precise surgical technique used depends on the type of breast implant chosen and the anatomy of the breast and chest.
Silicone implants are linked with autoimmune disorders – MYTH
Breast implants have not been linked with autoimmune conditions. There are several reports of breast implants being linked with a condition known as breast implant illness (BII). Subsequent extensive safety testing has shown breast implants to be completely safe to use.
RELATED: What is breast implant illness?
I will be able to see breast implant results immediately – MYTH
Breast implant surgery involves extensive tissue dissection to create a breast pocket for the implants. This will invariably result in initial swelling and bruising in the early period after the procedure. This process is known as “drop and fluff”. The final breast augmentation results take three to six months to become visible.
RELATED: “Drop and Fluff” after Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is very expensive – MYTH
Breast augmentation, compared with other types of cosmetic surgery procedures such as a tummy tuck, is not as expensive as one may think. Centre for Surgery offers a full range of financing options, including 0% finance.
RELATED: How to finance breast implants
I can choose any size of breast implant – MYTH
Breast implants come in various sizes, and the most popular sizes in the UK vary between 300cc and 350cc. Although, in theory, any size of breast implant can be chosen, it is not wise to choose breast implants that are out of proportion to your breasts and chest wall. Your surgeon will work with you to choose an appropriate size of breast implant that is optimally matched to your body shape.
Breast augmentation results in unsightly scarring – MYTH
All types of surgery involving incisions result in scars. Your surgeon takes extra care to minimise the appearance of visible scarring after breast augmentation. Incisions are positioned in such a way that they are located in the natural skin creases beneath the breasts. The scars may initially appear red and raised but will flatten over time to form a faint white line.
RELATED: What breast augmentation scars can I expect?
Breast implants are dangerous – MYTH
Years of safety data support the safety of breast implants for enhancing the appearance of the breasts. The United States Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, have tested silicone breast implants for their safety and has fully approved their use for breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation is not suitable for older women – MYTH
Breast augmentation is equally suitable for women over 40 and women in their 20s. The key prerequisite is that all patients are in a good state of health, both physically and mentally.
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Breast mammograms are impossible to interpret with breast implants – MYTH
Breast imaging technology using mammograms has significantly improved over the last few years, so most skilled radiologists can easily interpret the mammograms of women who have breast implants in situ.
Breast augmentation is easy to perform and is a minor procedure – MYTH
Despite taking approximately 90 minutes to carry out, breast augmentation is not a simple or easy procedure. It must be carried out by a certified plastic surgeon experienced in breast surgery to get the best results. Recovery after surgery takes up to 6 weeks.
Breast augmentation is painful – MYTH
Many women believe breast augmentation is a painful procedure and often hold back from having the surgery as a result. Although breast augmentation is an invasive surgical procedure, our surgeons specialise in techniques to minimise pain or discomfort after surgery. The vast majority of patients find they have no need to take painkillers one week after surgery.
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I will develop severe bruising and swelling after breast augmentation – MYTH
Breast augmentation involves a recovery period that can last approximately six weeks. During the first four weeks after surgery, it is normal to experience a certain degree of bruising and swelling. This is often mild in most cases.
Over-the-muscle breast implant placement is best – MYTH
There is no one particular type of breast implant placement that can be considered ideal for all patients. Both options have pros and cons. The most appropriate placement will be determined after a physical examination.
RELATED: Breast implant placements – over or under the muscle?
Fat transfer to breasts is a safer and better option compared with breast implants – MYTH
Options for breast augmentation include both breast implants and fat transfer to breasts. Both are highly effective options for breast enhancement, and your surgeon may recommend a combination of both to achieve natural-looking results. This is known as hybrid breast augmentation. Each technique has its pros and cons, which will be discussed at your consultation.
In any fat transfer procedure, not all fat survives the injection process. Fat necrosis is also a recognised risk of fat grafting. Unlike breast implants, fat grafting to the breast can only achieve a modest increase in breast size, usually a single cup size at most.
RELATED: Benefits of fat transfer to breasts vs breast implants
I will need wound drains after breast augmentation – MYTH
Unlike a breast lift or breast reduction, breast augmentation surgery does not involve the routine use of drains. Only in very rare cases would your surgeon need to consider the need for wound drains.
Breast augmentation is only for women who want a bigger bra size – MYTH
Breast augmentation to enhance breast volume is only one reason for the procedure. Many women may have experienced significant weight loss or developed deflated breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Breast implants can help to get rid of saggy breasts – MYTH
Saggy breasts are common after significant weight loss, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Breast augmentation on its own is not a suitable treatment for droopy breasts. A breast lift, with or without implants, is ideal for enhancing the size, shape, and fullness of the breasts.
RELATED: How to get rid of sagging breasts after weight loss
Recovery after breast augmentation is very painful and prolonged – MYTH
The recovery period after breast augmentation is fairly smooth without significant discomfort. Any mild discomfort can be easily controlled with over-the-counter painkillers.
RELATED: How long is breast augmentation recovery?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding will affect my breast implants – MYTH
Pregnancy involves significant hormonal fluctuations in both oestrogen and progesterone, which affects the size of the breasts. However, any change in breast size or shape does not affect the underlying breast implants. Modern breast implants are designed to withstand any extra pressure placed upon them during pregnancy.
RELATED: Can pregnancy affect my breast implants?
I will be able to achieve identical results as my friend’s breast augmentation – MYTH
Every woman has unique chest anatomy and has differing thicknesses of the chest wall musculature. Even though your friend may have achieved excellent results after breast augmentation, it is not possible to achieve the same results as every woman who has a unique body shape.
Breast augmentation leads to a loss of breast sensitivity – MYTH
There may be a temporary loss of nipple and breast sensation. As healing and recovery progress, sensation gradually returns. Permanent loss of nipple or breast sensation is a very rare complication of breast augmentation.
Breast implants will prevent my breast shape from changing over time – MYTH
Breast implants are designed to retain their original size and shape over a long period. The breast tissue itself continues to change over time due to the natural ageing process, weight loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Benefits of breast augmentation surgery
Breast augmentation is designed to enhance the size and fullness of the breasts and can be performed using either breast implants or fat transfer. There are several areas which patients should be aware of before undergoing breast augmentation surgery. Common benefits which women experience after breast implant surgery include:
- Improved mental well-being – excessively small breasts can affect how women perceive themselves. Breast augmentation surgery can help to boost mental health.
- Boost in self-confidence – pregnancy, weight loss and the natural ageing process can result in deflated breasts. Breast augmentation can help women achieve a pre-pregnancy appearance.
- Improved body silhouette – breast augmentation can help to enhance the female figure in many types of fitted clothing.
- Improve confidence in social situations – breast augmentation may help women regain their confidence and enhance their ability to form intimate relationships without feeling self-conscious.
Breast augmentation at Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery is the leading plastic surgery clinic in London and is home to some of the best cosmetic surgeons in the UK. Our surgeons perform hundreds of breast augmentation and boob job procedures each year at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone. If you would like to schedule an in-person consultation, call us today at 020 7993 4849 or fill out the contact form below. One of our friendly and knowledgeable patient coordinators will act as your personal point of contact throughout your patient journey with us at the Centre for Surgery in London.
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