Type the words “boob job” into your favorite search engine, and you’ll find useful information about breast augmentation surgeries – but you’ll also find a lot of myths, half-truths, and “horror stories.” To make a fully informed choice about your own surgery, you need to separate myth from fact.
Here are some popular myths about breast implants along with the facts you need to know:
1. Myth: It’s going to be obvious that my breasts are “fake.”
Fact: Breast implants can be tailored to your body to produce a natural shape, size, and feel.
Breast implants have come a long way since they were first introduced in the 1950s. Today, careful planning with your surgeon can ensure that your breast augmentation is tailored to your height, weight, and natural breast size and shape. The most common reasons an implant looks “fake” – like placing it too high or picking a size too big for your frame – can easily be avoided.
2. Myth: I’ll have to have my implants replaced in 5-10 years.
Fact: Unless a problem occurs, replacement generally isn’t necessary.
The recipient of the first silicone breast implants received hers in 1964 – and she still has them today! Unless the implant leaks, ruptures, or causes other problems, it can stay in the body. Many people have the same implants for twenty years or more.
3. Myth: Breast implant surgeries cause ugly scarring.
Fact: Scarring can be kept to a minimum, and most people are not bothered by their scars.
A 2013 study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery asked 225 women to discuss their breast augmentation. Fewer than 1 percent of them reported feeling self-conscious or uncomfortable about their scars. In most cases, scarring can be kept to a minimum and hidden by the natural curve of the breasts.
4. Myth: My implant will fix droopy breasts.
Fact: Another type of surgery may be needed to fix “droop.”
If your nipples sit at or below the bottom of your breasts, an implant alone will not raise their profile. Instead, talk to your doctor about having a lift surgery done. A lift can be performed instead of an augmentation or in addition to an augmentation.
For a free, private consultation about your breast augmentation surgery options in Cleveland, please call our team at The Cosmetic Surgery Center at (216) 264-8100.
About Dr. Goldschmidt
Matthew Goldschmidt, MD, FACS is a cosmetic surgeon with an impressive list of academic and professional achievements. He is board certified by two surgical boards which include the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, for body, breast and facial surgery, as well as the Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.