Breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery procedure that’s performed in the United States, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Almost 300,000 people commit to the surgery every year to boost their confidence and improve their chest profile.
At Plastic Surgery Arts Center, Dr. Jan Garcia, Jr. is an experienced cosmetic surgeon who can dispel some of the myths surrounding breast augmentation and help you understand the facts about this safe, effective procedure.
If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery, but are hesitant because of some of the press surrounding the procedure’s safety and results, read on.
FACT: Breast implants don’t last forever, but 10 years is a somewhat arbitrary time frame.
About 20% of women who get breast implants must have them removed at the 10-year mark but that’s far from all.
Yes, the longer you have implants, the higher the chance that they may leak or rupture. With regular postsurgical follow-ups that evaluate your implants’ status using MRI, mammograms, or sonogram, you may find your implants last much longer. Newer materials in the latest generations of implants make them more durable and lasting.
FACT: Silicone breast implants were banned in 1992 due to a fear that leaking silicone could lead to autoimmune conditions, but the association (let alone causality) was never found by researchers.
Silicone implants have been available again since 2006 with success and minimal issues.
Protection is in place to keep you safe if you do get silicone implants. We follow FDA recommendations and ask that you get an MRI three years after your augmentation surgery and every two years after that.
These screenings can detect leaks early on. Leaks in silicone implants are hard to detect, whereas saline implants go flat if a leak occurs.
FACT: Research has shown no increased risk of breast cancer in patients with breast implants. All implants used at our office are FDA cleared.
There is a link between textured implants and a type of cancer called anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. About 93-96% of women with this type of cancer have textured implants.
This cancer is extremely rare, however. One out of every 50,000 women with textured silicone implants get this disease. It’s not clear why this link exists, nor has a causation been shown.
FACT: Your breasts, even if you’ve had augmentation, are subject to changes due to aging, weight changes, and pregnancy.
If you’re bothered by sagging, droopy breasts, then breast implants may not be the singular solution. We may suggest a breast lift instead of or along with augmentation to lift lax breast tissue.
FACT: The size of the breast implants you choose matters, and bigger isn’t always better. We work carefully to match your breast dimensions and characteristics so your results look natural and not artificial.
Placing a large implant on a person with a small, narrow chest can make you look out of proportion. Exceptionally large implants may also be felt when you press on your chest area. The edges may even be visible.
Implants that are overly large for your frame also put a lot of weight on your tissues, which makes sagging a very real possibility.
FACT: Research shows that breastfeeding mothers who have breast implants don’t usually face complications when it comes to breastfeeding. When complications with nursing were encountered, it was at about the same rate as women who have not had implants.
Implants don’t pose a medical risk for babies born to mothers with silicone or saline implants. If pregnancy is a possibility in the future, Dr. Garcia will use certain techniques for placement of the implants to minimize any effects on breastfeeding, including changes in your nipple sensation.
All of your questions about breast augmentation are answered by Dr. Garcia and the friendly staff at Plastic Surgery Arts Center. Call today to arrange a consultation or use the online tool to book your visit.
