Since the introduction of breast implants in the 1960s, a number of myths about breast augmentation have circulated among women regarding the procedure. The most common myths surrounding breast augmentation include the safety of saline implants versus silicone implants, whether the ability to breastfeed will be compromised, concerns about losing feeling or sensations in the breast, and whether implants cause breast cancer.

“Saline is Better or Safer Than Silicone”

There is no conclusive evidence to support the myth that saline implants are safer than silicone implants. In fact, today’s models of silicone implants, particularly cohesive gel options, are favored by both surgeons and patients.

The belief that silicone implants are unsafe stems largely from reports throughout the 1980s and 1990s, in which women claimed their implants post-operatively ruptured, leaked, and caused capsular contracture or other complications. In 1988, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration began investigating these claims, which culminated in a 1992 moratorium on silicone implants for general use in the United States. The FDA enacted the moratorium stating that insufficient information existed to assume that silicone implants were safe.

After nearly two decades of research and testing, the FDA conditionally approved an enhanced silicone implant model, known as cohesive gel, or “gummy bear,” implants. These implants feature a molecular cross-linking silicone compound, making them more form-stable and far less viscous than earlier models. The improved consistency also allows these implants to assume the shape of existing breast tissue, which creates a more natural looking bust. Additionally, cohesive gel implants last longer than older models; resist wrinkling, folding, and rupturing; and won’t leak into the body in the rare chance that an outer shell ruptures.

“I Won’t Be Able to Breastfeed”

In most cases, the ability to breastfeed after breast augmentation will depend largely on the type of incision used to insert the breast implants. Incisions made in the inframammary fold (under the breast) or using the transaxillary (under arm) technique typically won’t interfere with the milk ducts in the breast.

However, there is a slightly higher risk for damage to the nipple and milk ducts with a periareolar incision. Patients considering bearing children and breastfeeding after an augmentation procedure should carefully discuss this with their surgeon.

“I Will Lose Sensation”

Loss of sensation in the breast or nipple can affect many women after breast augmentation, however feeling usually returns after several months in the majority of cases. Although rare, complete or partial loss of feeling can occur. Patients whose augmentation procedure involves placing the incision in the inframammary fold are less likely to deal with breast sensitivity issues.

“Breast Implants Cause Cancer”

There is no definitive research that supports the claim of breast implants causing cancer. Any patient concerned about developing cancer after an augmentation procedure should see her surgeon and family doctor for regular check-ups and immediately report any signs of lumps, swelling, or the presence of pain. While implants likely won’t obstruct a mammogram image, women with augmented breasts should still alert mammogram technicians about her implants.

While women considering breast augmentation may have these and other concerns, patients should always seek guidance from experienced Board Certified breast surgeons. Choosing an expert surgeon who thoroughly advises a patient and helps her make choices based on her overall health, body type, and desired appearance can help decrease the risk of complications during and after breast augmentation.

Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including http://bayshoreplasticsurgery.com/ breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

Author Bio: Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

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Keywords: breast augmentation, breast enhancement, breast enlargement, breast implants