Myths About Breast Augmentation
Since 2006, breast augmentation surgery with implants has been the most sought after cosmetic surgery for women in the U.S., with over 300,000 thousand women undergoing the procedure in 2017 alone. Breast augmentation, also known as breast implants or a “boob job,” are a highly effective and safe way to improve the size, shape and appearance of your natural breasts for years to come. However, as with any cosmetic surgery, negative stigmas and misinformation surrounding the procedure can make it difficult for women to make an informed decision about whether breast augmentation is right for them. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of common breast augmentation myths to help you separate fact from fiction.
Myth: Implants Will Need to Be Replaced Every 10 Years
There is a common myth surrounding breast implants that indicates your implants will need to be replaced every 10 years. While it is true that your breast implants will eventually need to be removed or replaced, there is no designated expiration date for these devices. Breast implants are actually quite durable and are designed to withstand a considerable amount of pressure or impact. However, while breast implants are safe and long-lasting, they are also not lifetime devices. Your breast implants may need to be replaced or removed in the event of a rupture, unfavorable side effects such as capsular contracture or personal preference.
The lifespan of breast implants will vary from patient to patient and may be determined by factors such as the type of implant option selected as well as their placement within the chest. In rare cases, some women may experience a rupture within the first few years of their breast augmentation surgery, while the majority will have implants that last for several decades. Most breast implant manufacturers estimate that their products will last an average of 10 years. While there are no guarantees, most devices do come with a warranty.
Myth: Silicone Implants are the Best Type of Implants Available
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 87 percent of all breast augmentations performed in 2017 utilized silicone implants, while saline implants only accounted for 13 percent. The popularity of silicone implants can be attributed to the way they look and feel. Many women opt for silicone implants because the cohesive gel filling better replicates the feeling of natural breast tissue than saline. However, both saline and silicone implant options have their own sets of pros and cons. The implant that is best for you will be based on your personal preference as well as the expert recommendation of Houston board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rappaport.
Both saline and silicone implants utilize a silicone outer shell for their contents. However, saline implants contain a sterile saltwater solution, which in the event of a rupture can be safely absorbed and expelled by your body. While a ruptured saline implant will cause the implant to noticeably deflate almost instantly, many women consider this to be an advantage, as ruptured implants need to be replaced or removed as soon as possible.
Silicone implants better resemble natural breasts, but they also may require more maintenance. In the event of a rupture, silicone implant leaks are usually not obvious or noticeable due to the consistency of the gel filling. This is referred to as “silent rupture,” and while serious complications are rare, the FDA recommends that patients who opt for silicone implants receive a breast MRI three years after their breast augmentation surgery, and every two years after that.
Myth: Breast Implants Can Improve Sagging Breasts
As you age, it is normal for the combination of increased skin laxity and gravity to cause your breasts to sag and lose some of their perkiness gradually. There is a common misconception, however, that breast augmentation can not only enhance the size and shape of your breasts but also lift them to a more youthful position. Unfortunately, this is not the case. While breast implants can effectively increase the volume of your breasts or how far they project from the chest wall, they do not address excess, stretched skin. In fact, because breast implants mimic the weight and feel of natural breast tissue, implants can actually worsen the appearance of sagging breasts due to the added weight.
For Houston patients who wish to lift their breasts to a more attractive and youthful profile, a breast lift, or mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgery that raises drooping breasts to a higher position on the chest. It also works to firm and repositions existing breast tissue to eliminate the appearance of deflated breasts. If you have concerns with both sagging breasts as well as a lack of breast volume, you may choose to undergo a breast lift and breast augmentation simultaneously (augmentation mastopexy) for a more comprehensive breast restoration.
Myth: It’s Easy to Spot Someone with Breast Implants
A common concern for many women considering breast augmentation is that the results of their procedure will leave them with breasts that look unnatural or “fake” to those around them. The results of your breast augmentation lie in the hands of the plastic surgeon you select to perform the operation, so it’s crucial that you choose someone with the knowledge, expertise and credentials to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. Dr. Rappaport of Houston Center for Plastic Surgery has a reputation for performing breast augmentations with beautiful, natural-looking results that enhance your figure without looking as if you’d had anything done.
If you are unsatisfied with the size and shape of your breasts, a breast augmentation can restore balance and proportion to your figure while giving you a more youthful, shapely bust. To learn more about what breast implants can do for you, contact Houston Center for Plastic Surgery today at 713-597-5935 to schedule your consultation.
