Top 10 Myths about Breast Implants Busted

TOP 10 MYTHS ABOUT BREAST IMPLANTS BUSTED!

MYTH #1. SILICONE IMPLANTS ARE NOT SAFE

Silicone gel-filled breast implants are one of the most studied medical devices and decades of research have evaluated their safety and effectiveness. The safety of Silicone-Filled Breast Implants is supported by extensive preclinical testing, U.S. clinical studies and European rupture prevalence data. Silicone is the most bio-compatible material known to man.

In Australia, silicone gel-filled implants are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and have been registered on the ARTG since 2000.

They are also approved by the FDA in USA.


MYTH #2: BREAST IMPLANTS FEEL UNNATURALLY HARD

While breast implants may sometimes not be as supple as natural breasts, 9 out of 10 women are very satisfied with the results. Feeling harder than normal, or capsular contracture, is when the human body creates scar tissue around any implanted foreign material, eg breast implants, artificial hip etc


MYTH #3: IMPLANTS CAN CAUSE BREAST CANCER AND OTHER DISEASES

There is no medical evidence to show that women with breast implants have a higher chance of developing breast cancer or autoimmune diseases.


MYTH #4: I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BREASTFEED WITH IMPLANTS

There is no medical evidence to show that breast implants interfere with breast-feeding, and women with breast implants do not risk exposing their breastfed children to excessive amounts of silicone. The ability to breastfeed successfully varies in all women with or without breast implants.


MYTH #5: IMPLANTS MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO DETECT BREAST CANCER

It is recommended that all women regularly self-examine their breasts for lumps and changes, and have an annual examination by a doctor.

Mammography is more difficult for women with breast implants, but is well practiced by radiologists. Patients should inform radiologists of breast implants prior to examination.


MYTH #6: BREAST AUGMENTATION IS A PAINFUL SURGERY THAT REQUIRES A LOT OF TIME OFF WORK AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Each patient will tolerate pain in a different way, and this is usually taken into account by a doctor and appropriate pain medications are prescribed post operatively.

The length of time it takes to recover from surgery can also differ from patient to patient, although most breast augmentation patients are mobile and able to care for themselves within two days after surgery. Most patients are able to return to work within five to seven days. Patients are encouraged to commence a slow walking routine two days after surgery in order to limit swelling, and are advised to avoid vigorous exercise for two weeks.


MYTH #7: BREAST AUGMENTATION SCARS ARE OBVIOUS

Breast implants are inserted through a small incision and these incisions can be made either in the crease under the breast, under the arm, or around the nipple. The surgeon will recommend the most appropriate incision for each patient in order to minimise visible scarring.


MYTH #8: EVERYONE CAN TELL WHEN A WOMAN HAS BREAST IMPLANTS

A carefully planned and performed surgical procedure can give most patients a natural appearing result. It is important to choose an experienced surgeon who will not only consider a patient's desires, but take into account the height, weight, and natural breast size and shape. Choosing an appropriate implant and positioning it correctly are the keys to achieving a natural looking result.


MYTH #9: IMPLANTS MAKE THE BREASTS SAG EARLIER

Breasts sag due to gravity, weight and the elastin/collagen structure within the skin that breaks down with the ageing process. A natural breast of the same size and weight will sag just as fast as an implant. It is important to wear a good quality, supportive and well fitted bra and not assume that breast implants mean that a bra is not necessary.


MYTH #10: BREAST IMPLANTS NEED TO BE REPLACED REGULARLY

Breast implants have a limited lifespan and may have to be removed or replaced at some stage. The time that it takes for a breast implant to reach the end of its lifespan varies, but many breast implants last up to and beyond 25 years.