Common Breast Augmentation Myths and the Truth

April 15, 2020
4:18 pm

While breast augmentation surgery is well known by most people and remains the most popular cosmetic surgery performed in the United States with more than 313,000 procedures performed in 2018 alone, there are still plenty of myths and misconceptions out there when it comes to breast augmentation and breast implants.

While we here at Front Range Plastic & Surgery pride ourselves on expert and considerate cosmetic surgeries, we also take a tremendous amount of effort to ensure you are informed as well. Our goal is always to make you feel comfortable and educated about the process and procedures, which is why we focus a large amount of our blog page on informative content as an additional resource to visiting with us in person.

Today, we’d like to discuss breast augmentation and breast implants and some of the most common myths or misconceptions people have about the procedure. We’ll address each myth or misconception and then provide you with the truth and information you may use in your research or consideration when looking into breast augmentation. So let’s begin!

Breast Augmentation Looks Fake

This is a myth about breast augmentation that dates back to the earliest procedures for breast enlargement more than half a century ago. Trends change and certainly there was a time when a more augmented look was more emphasized, however, the technology and procedure have made great strides, especially in recent years. Breast augmentation can maintain a natural aesthetic thanks to breast implant design and materials, allowing a skilled plastic surgeon to create a natural look and feel.

Breast Implants Are Unsafe

When undergoing breast augmentation from a skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon, breast implants are completely safe and tested to ensure safety. In the United States, breast implant manufacturers receive oversight from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and meet the safety standards set forth by the federal government. Breast implants are strong and durable with a minimal change of rupturing. Studies show silicone implants, for instance, rupture only 2 percent of the time 5 years after breast augmentation and between 7 and 15 percent 10 years later.

Breast Augmentation Shows Instant Results

Breast augmentation surgery does have a period of recovery time. In the days after surgery, the breasts are usually swollen and can feel hard to the touch and may sit higher on the chest until settling into their final position following several weeks. It’s important to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions and you should see the final results generally a month after the procedure after the breasts fully heal.

Breast Implants Only Last 10 Years

Breast implants are prosthetic devices that aren’t designed to last indefinitely, however, not all breast implants need replacement after 10 years. Most commonly, a rupture or leak would require a replacement of a breast implant, but as we outlined earlier, the chances of a rupture are very low, even 10 years down the road. It’s important to consult with your plastic surgeon and seek immediate assistance if a complication were to occur, but there is absolutely no set time limit for how long a breast implant will last as it depends from person to person.

Breast Implants Are Dangerous For Breastfeeding

It’s not uncommon for many women to undergo breast augmentation while they are in their 20s or 30s and they, of course, still plan on having children. Studies have shown there is no medical risk to breastfeeding after breast augmentation surgery or risk for babies born from mothers with breast implants. The operation does involve an incision and dissection of the breast tissue, which includes a small risk of nipple sensation during breastfeeding to alter, however, certain techniques allow plastic surgeons to minimize interference of nipple sensation for breastfeeding.

Breast Augmentation Allows You to Pick Exact Cup Size

While breast augmentation allows women to choose the size of their breast enlargement, there are simply too many different breast implants and types available to guarantee an exact cup size. Also, consider the sheer number of bra manufacturers and varying sizes depending on the type of bra to guarantee a certain cup will work for all of them. For natural results, the breast implant used should match the patient’s own breast characteristics and dimensions.

Cosmetic Surgeons Can Perform Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation can provide great physical and emotional benefits, often a boost in self-confidence and image, but only when performed by a trained, skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon. A cosmetic surgeon is not the same as a plastic surgeon because they have not gone through the rigorous training and education required, including passing a written and oral exam in order to become certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. For safety and great results, always ensure you’re seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon perform your breast augmentation surgery.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

Dr. Warren Shutte is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience helping the people of Loveland, Fort Collins and Northern Colorado (as well as Wyoming and Nebraska) meet their cosmetic and surgical needs. His goal is always to ensure you’re informed, comfortable and private, so contact us today and schedule your free consultation!

Patient Testimonials

"Dr. Schutte and his staff make every effort to have patients feel like they are the most important person in the universe! The attention to every question is taken seriously and you are never made to feel like what you are asking and/or feeling is irrelevant. I highly HIGHLY recommend Front Range Plastic Surgery!"

- Patricia M.

"I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this office. I always feel welcome. The staff is awesome...so kind and sincere. Everyone is so positive, having smiles on their faces every time I come in."

- Sharon L.

"Dr. Schutte and his entire office staff are caring and accommodating. They’re willing and able to address concerns after hours to ensure quality care for their patients. The nurses take their time with you and you never feel rushed. Wonderful atmosphere."

- Rachel W.