Busting the Breast Augmentation Myths – The truth about implants and a boob job

Breast augmentation surgery or a boob job is the most popular cosmetic procedure around the world. Having done over 2000 surgeries, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Scott Turner is one of Sydney’s leading breast surgery experts using Mentor implants and fat grafting for better results. Here Dr Turner shares some of the common Breast Augmentation Myths and the real Truth about Breast Augmentation and Breast implants.

Myths about Breast Augmentation and Implants

Despite the many benefits and positives of the breast augmentation procedure, many people are still scared of undergoing surgery. Along with fear, there is a lot of confusion about the procedure. While most of this fear is based on the widespread myths about the procedure and its results, the confusion is mostly due to the misunderstanding the results a boob job can provide.

There are many myths, mistruths and rumours about Breast Implants and Breast Augmentation including these you may have heard

I like my friend’s breast augmentation. If I go to the same surgeon and have the same implant, I will get a similar result.
Silicone implants are dangerous and cause diseases
I should expect bruising after my breast augmentation
Having implants may cause problems while breastfeeding your baby
Silicone may contaminate milk while breastfeeding
A “C” cup is the ideal standard for breast implants.
Silicone breast implants often rupture and may cause cancer.

Are these statements really true, partly true or complete myths?

Here is some useful information that may help bust these myths, once and for all, so you can see for yourself what the procedure is and what its results can be like.

29 Breast Augmentation Myths and some useful myth-busting info

1. MYTH – Breast Implants will cause a permanent loss of sensation in the breast

This is one of the most common myths you will see when you search for ‘breast augmentation side effects. There is a slight truth to this myth which explains its widespread belief. As a side effect of the procedure, you may lose sensation over your breast and nipple, temporarily, and when your body heals from the procedure, slowly and steadily, the sensation will return. But because it is lost for a while, many people think it is permanent.

The loss of sensation can be explained by the fact that these nerves are stretched during the procedure because of the placement of the breast implants. It is a common occurrence, and any procedure where nerves are stretched will result in temporary loss of sensation. As you are in the recovery period, these nerves will begin to heal and result in the return of sensation in both your nipple and breast. Permanent loss of sensation is a very rare side effect of the breast augmentation procedure.

2. MYTH – Breast implants will cause my breasts to look fake

There are many different types of breast implants with different shapes, sizes, and contents. Based on which type of breast implant you get, for example, a round implant, or teardrop implant, can affect how your breasts look and appear. However, they rarely stand out or look fake. In fact, recent advancements in the field of cosmetic surgery have made it even harder to tell the difference between natural breasts and implants.

To ensure the authentic feel and appearance of your breasts, you can have an in-depth discussion with Dr Turner during the consultation about your concerns. What this does is that it allows your surgeon to customise and perform a highly personalized implant placement, designed specifically for your body shape and physique so that breast implants do not stand out and appear fake.

It is important to note that if you get implants that are way too big or not proportional to your body size, it is highly likely that your breast implants will look fake. But if you are candid with your surgeon, then you have a higher chance of achieving the natural results you desire with this procedure.

3. MYTH – Breast Implants will feel fake after the procedure

As mentioned above, breast implants come in different sizes and types. Some of the different types of implants, based on their contents, are silicone-filled breast implants or saline-filled breast implants. Each type has its own pros and cons especially with regards to feel. However, it is worth noting that several strides have been made in the field of science and technology which has resulted in the development of modern breast implants. These breast implants are filled with materials that feel and appear similar to actual breast tissue, hence, making this statement a myth, and a quite famous one too.

New implant types on their own mimic natural tissue texture and the new advanced methods of performing the surgery further ensure the natural results of the implants. This is believed to be related to the placement of the implant either above or below the muscles in your chest, however, that is another myth. Whether you have your implant placed above or beneath your chest muscles is completely dependent on your anatomy and has very little effect on the feel of your breasts.

Worry no more. “Hard rock” breasts or wobbly breasts are often the butt of the joke in the movies and exist only in movies, not real life.

4. MYTH – You cannot breastfeed after a breast augmentation procedure

This myth is often found circulating in online forums discussing breast augmentation procedures and many women, especially those who want children and want to be able to breastfeed them, get worried. However, it is not true.

You can breastfeed your children after getting a breast augmentation procedure done. In fact, certain techniques of the procedures make breastfeeding easier for you in the future. You can and should discuss any of the concerns you have about breastfeeding with Dr Turner to ensure that the surgeon is aware of your desire to breastfeed in the future. This allows you to have peace of mind, before and after the surgery, about being able to breastfeed and you do not have to be stressed because of this widely popular yet untrue statement.

5. MYTH – You need to replace implants every decade, or even more frequently

Some implant manufacturers recommend that their implants should be replaced every ten years. However, this is not the case for every modern breast implant. In fact, many plastic surgeons will not agree to replace an implant if it is functioning normally, the shape is retained, and the patient is happy with its overall appearance. If the implant has ruptured or you want to change the implant to a bigger or smaller one, or if you don’t want an implant anymore at all, then consider implant replacement or implant removal, accordingly.

The Bottom line is that if you are happy with how the implants look and there is no medical reason for their removal, there is no need to replace implants frequently or even every decade. Speak to your specialist plastic surgeon about the type of implants you are getting and if there is a manufacturer’s recommendation to replace them. This, again, is to give you peace of mind as the statement in itself is just an urban myth.

6. MYTH – Breast augmentation procedure is a painful procedure

If the only thing holding you back from having a breast augmentation procedure and having the breasts you desire is this fear, then you may find some relief in knowing that it is purely a myth and doesn’t contain much truth.

A breast augmentation procedure is a surgical procedure, and just like any surgical procedure, there is going to be slight discomfort. However, the procedure is performed either under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. You will not feel a thing during the procedure. And the post-op or recovery period is going to have slight discomfort but nothing that cannot be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. In fact, most surgeons will prescribe a painkiller and, sometimes, antibiotics to help you during the recovery phase.

7. MYTH – Breast augmentation with Silicone Implants will cause an autoimmune disorder

The reason why this myth has received traction and why the implants were once recalled by the FDA is that silicone implants were found to be highly associated with the occurrence of breast implant illness, an autoimmune disorder. However, after that, extensive testing was done on these implants and it was found that they are safe to use. They, then, returned to the market after 14 years, in 2005, and are now approved by FDA for use in women over the age of 18 years.

Silicone implants or breast implants, in general, do not cause sicknesses and illnesses and are safe for use. In fact, scientists still cannot fully determine that silicone implants are the reason for breast implant illness. This is why they are still FDA approved and, as far as the guidelines are followed, you should be safe.

8. MYTH – Breast implants will show results immediately after the procedure

Before you undergo your breast augmentation procedure, you will have a consultation where you will discuss your expectations and goals for the surgery. The results you discuss here will be what your surgeon will aim for and try to reach those for you. However, you won’t be able to see it the moment you wake up from your surgery. In fact, it is very likely that your breasts may appear higher than usual and look weird to you. This is not because your surgeon hasn’t done a good job but rather because of the tightening of your chest muscles.

As you recover from the procedure and your chest muscles relax, your breasts will lower a little, relative to the first-day post-op, resulting in your breasts now hanging at their usual place. This is called dropping and fluffing, The final results of the breast aug procedure will become visible about six months after the procedure. Anyone who says they saw results immediately is just spreading misinformation and supporting this myth.

9. MYTH – Saline breast implants are the best ones to get

All breast implants have a set of pros and cons, and there is no one implant that is the best one to get. Depending on your expectations and desired results, the type of implant may be recommended for you by your specialist surgeon.

Most patients in Australi choose silicon gel implants. Saline implants can feel like having a water filled balloon in your chest. There is no need to be worried about silicone implants being ‘bad’ for you.

Saline implants are preferred by just a few patients and surgeons because, in case of rupture, saline solution in the implants is absorbed by the body and doesn’t cause any harmful effects. But a disadvantage is a higher probability of rupture. So, there is always going to be for and against for all implant types, consult your surgeon and follow their recommendation to ensure the best implant type, for you, is chosen.

10. MYTH – Any surgeons can perform a breast augmentation procedure

Breast augmentation procedure is a pretty common procedure, however, the statement that anyone can perform it is a pure myth and you should not believe this. Only those who have been well trained in breast augmentation procedures, after receiving accreditation in plastic and reconstructive surgery, should perform breast augmentation procedures. Any doctor or so-called ‘cosmetic surgeon’ could perform the surgery, but the results vary considerably and revision surgery costs are much higher than primary surgery. Be careful!

The risks and complications associated with a breast augmentation procedure can be reduced purely by choosing a highly-skilled, specialist plastic surgeon. Moreover, the quality of the results of the procedure also depends on the training and expertise of the surgeon.

Hence, you should always research your surgeon, check their qualifications with AHPRA, see their patient photos and read the testimonials and reviews for them online. This will help you choose the best surgeon for your breast augmentation.

11. MYTH – You can choose any size for breast implants

Breast implants are meant to enhance your appearance and they also play a vital role in the field of reconstructive surgery. When choosing the breast implants for your breast augmentation procedure, it is important to not only focus on the shape and content of your implant, but also on the size of the implant. Breast implants are available in sizes from 100cc to 800cc in Australia with the most popular size being around 300-350cc.

While technically you can choose any size for your breast implants, it is purely theoretical information, and practically, choosing a size purely for aesthetics is a bad idea. For an implant to look good and suit your body, it has to match the proportions of your breast and your chest wall. This is why you should choose a breast implant that matches your physique and not something that is too big or small for you.

It is important to note that big breast implants often have several side effects, especially if you have small breasts naturally and are quite petite. It is important to consider this all and make an informed decision. Cause, although you can choose any size, doing so, may do more harm than good.

12. MYTH – You will have ugly scars after breast augmentation procedure

When undergoing a breast augmentation procedure, under the care of a specialist plastic surgeon, the risk of visible scarring is minimal. That makes this statement a myth. Most surgeons perform cosmetic breast procedures using techniques where incisions are made such that they are hidden in the natural contours of your body – usually under the breast in the crease. The breast augmentation procedure is no exception. Discuss with your surgeon beforehand your fears of scarring and you will be reassuring yourself that your scars can easily be hidden by your bra or bikini tops.

13. MYTH – Breast Implants are not safe

Breast implants are medical devices that are placed into your breast cavity to improve the appearance of your breasts and restore the lost volume. Despite this myth being extremely common on social media, it has no factual evidence supporting it. Implants have been tested for safety by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and the results prove this statement is false and a myth. FDA has approved the use of implants.

14. MYTH – You can’t get breast implants if you are old

In the world of cosmetic surgery, age is not a restriction for the procedures. The breast augmentation procedure is applicable for anyone who is over the age of 18 years and healthy, both mentally and physically. Having implants at an older age can restore volume and enhance their appearance. There is less likelihood of you worrying about pregnancy ruining the results for you. In short, you are never too old to get breast implants.

15. MYTH – Breast augmentation is an easy and simple procedure

Breast augmentation is a plastic and reconstructive surgical procedure that is far from being a simple procedure. It can take approximately 1 hour to 2 hours to perform, and the recovery period can take up to six weeks. Just like artwork, skill and aesthetic ability determine the final result.

The procedure requires an expert and skilled plastic surgeon and effort from you, during the consultation and recovery procedure to be successful. It is not recommended to take it lightly and ignore the recommendations made by your surgeon. A good recovery effort leads to a good result.

16. MYTH – Breast augmentation procedure is going to result in severe bruising

The recovery period from most cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures is marked by mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising. These should not be severe or be disfiguring. In fact, you will be wearing a compression bra which can significantly help with swelling and bruising. Any discomfort can be managed using painkillers that your surgeon may prescribe for you. Severe bruising is a rare side effect and the probability of it occurring is very low, hence, making this statement a myth. Arnica may also help.

17. MYTH – Placement of implant over the muscle is the best choice for breast implants

It is a myth that only one specific type of implant placement technique should be used. Under the muscle (sub muscular) or over the muscle (Sub glandular), both are appropriate techniques for placement and which one is chosen depends on several other factors. Please consult a plastic surgeon that can offer both alternatives. Many underqualified doctors or so-called ‘cosmetic surgeons’ only offer the simpler over the muscle or glandular placement because that is all they know..

18. MYTH – You will need draining tubes in your breasts after the surgery

Whoever started this myth confused a breast augmentation procedure with more complex breast surgery like a breast lift or reduction. The breast augmentation procedure only requires placement of the implants and is followed with recovery at home. There should not be an empty breast cavity for there to be a fluid collection that would require drainage after a breast augmentation procedure.

19. MYTH – You can’t have an accurate mammogram with breast implants

This myth is commonly spread by many people however, it is worth noting that it is false. A mammogram is an imaging modality that helps doctors view your breast tissue. A breast implant is commonly placed behind the breast tissue and this tissue is not interfered with during a breast augmentation procedure. This is why a mammogram should not be difficult with the presence of breast implants. In fact, many doctors claim that having breast implants makes see results from a mammogram easier.

20. MYTH – You only need to do a breast augmentation procedure if you want a bigger bra size

This statement is not only a myth but it spreads the mistruth which can alter how society views women who have had breast implants. While you can undergo a breast augmentation procedure to increase your breast size, it is not the only reason one would get breast surgery done. Promoting this myth also promotes another myth that all women who undergo this procedure are vain and only care for their looks. That is all far from the actual truth.

Women can choose to get breast augmentation done if they have lost a significant amount of weight, or have lost breast volume after pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is not vain for them to undergo this procedure then as it is a way for them to feel confident again in their body. Moreover, these reasons can severely impair the appearance of the breasts, and having that fixed is not vain or wrong, in any way. It is not to get a bigger bra size but rather to enhance their appearance, as they have the right to do so.

Some women choose to get breast implants placed after they have undergone a mastectomy procedure, as a method of preventing or treating cancer. In these cases, women feel uncomfortable with a lack of breasts and this can have a significantly negative effect on their mental health. In such cases, they can get surgery done and it is totally okay to do so. It is time to stop the lie that a boob job equals vanity and insecurity in women.

21. MYTH – All breast augmentation procedures should be done using the same technique

This is not only a myth but also an illogical statement. Most surgical procedures have several different techniques which can be used to perform the procedure. Breast augmentation is the same and has many different techniques depending on each specific patient and the type of implant along with the patient’s expectations and goals for the procedure. See the page on breast implant options for more details.

22. MYTH – Breast implants can help reduce the sagginess of your breasts

This is yet another myth where the writer has gotten two procedures mixed up. If you have saggy breasts, placement of breast implants is not really going to help. What you can do is undergo breast augmentation with a breast lift procedure, hence enhancing the appearance of your breasts and reducing the sagginess, respectively.

A breast lift procedure removes excess skin and fat from your breast and lifts them up resulting in perkier and younger-looking breasts. If you want perkier less saggy breasts, getting implants might not help but undergoing a breast lift procedure definitely will. Speak to Dr Turner about your expectations beforehand to prevent confusion and mixups like this.

23. MYTH – Breast augmentation procedure is followed by a painful recovery period

The recovery period of almost all surgical procedures is followed by slight discomfort as your body is healing itself. Breast augmentation procedure is similar and the spread of myths like this one is the reason why a lot of women are scared to undergo the procedure. It is important to not believe myths like this as the recovery period does not cause severe pain or discomfort. The mild discomfort can be easily managed with painkillers that you can buy over-the-counter or those prescribed by your surgeon.

24. MYTH – Breast implants will become disfigured during pregnancy

The change in estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy results in the increased size of your breast tissue. Many people believe that this change in breast shape and size can result in disfiguration or rupture of implants. This is not true. When pregnant, the tissue will grow and put pressure on the implants but these implants are manufactured to be resilient and withstand this pressure. The implants themselves remain unaffected during the pregnancy.

It is worth noting that the change in breast tissue, that is, an increase followed by a contraction can weaken your breast tissues and can result in extra sagging of the breast tissue despite the presence of the implant. This is a defect in breast tissue and skin and not in the implant, hence, should be treated appropriately – maybe with a breast lift.

25. MYTH – A Breast augmentation procedure is quite costly

This is a myth as breast augmentation procedures can be performed within your budget. In general, the costs aren’t as high as they are for other surgery procedures either, making this statement yet another baseless myth.

26. MYTH – If your friend had good results from a surgeon, undergoing the procedure with the same surgeon will produce the same results

Every woman looks different and has different chest wall, breast tissue structures and strengths. Even if your friend underwent a breast augmentation procedure, and she’s happy with the results, chances of you getting the same results, despite having the same surgeon, are very minimal. This is not due to the lack of skills of the surgeon but rather due to the differences in the body of all women.

Your breasts do not look like your friend’s breast prior to the procedure so they are less likely to look like hers after the procedure. It is not possible for you to get the same results unless you have identical breasts and chest which is highly unlikely.

Moreover, your body differs from your friends and what looks good on her body may not necessarily look good on you. Talking to your plastic surgeon will help you find the best breast implant size and shape for your body which ensures better results than just copying your friend’s implant.

27. MYTH – Breast implant means your breast shape will not change over time

This is a myth that gives a false expectation about surgery, that can never be met. Breast implants won’t usually change their own shape and usually stay the same shape over long periods of time (unless you have a capsular contracture). But the same cannot be said about your breasts. Thanks to ageing and gravity, your implants will always be pulled down and there will be a change in the appearance of your breasts as they sag. The effect of gravity is seen in both natural breasts and implanted breasts. This sagging effect is more likely if you have opted for larger breast implants. So it is important to keep in mind to choose the right size of implants.

28. MYTH – You have to undergo general anesthesia to have a breast augmentation procedure done

This is yet another myth that can be easily busted if you read about the procedure online. General anesthesia is just one of the options for a breast augmentation procedure and if you would rather not use it, you could opt for local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Dr Turner prefers to use General Anaesthesia performed by an accredited Anaesthetist.

29. MYTH – Fat grafting or Fat Transfer to Breasts is a healthier and better alternative to breast implants.

This is not true. Both are viable options for breast augmentation and depending on your expectations, either may be beneficial for you. You should discuss both possibilities with Dr Turner and make a decision with the recommendation of your surgeon.

This will ensure that the best procedure is being performed for your specific case and guarantees your desired results. It is worth noting that neither is a better alternative to the other. In fact, both have a list of pros and cons, which should be discussed before choosing either.

Fat grafting is preferred in women who want less scars as fat injections result in almost no scarring. However, fat grafting is costlier than implants.

Not all of of the injected fat survives. There is also a risk of a death of fat cells resulting in fat necrosis which can disfigure your breasts. Some surgeons are also worried about cysts and nodules’ developing later along with calcifications, which can get in the way of breast cancer screening. And fat grafting cannot significantly increase your breast size – usually adding just a cup size per treatment.

The Truth About Breast Augmentation surgery

Breast Augmentation is a procedure that enhances the appearance and the size of the breasts, usually using breast implants or fat grafting. The procedure can enhance the contours of the breast along with the size.

Undergoing a breast augmentation procedure is not a simple task as there are quite a few things you need to do prior to the procedure. To be able to undergo a breast augmentation procedure, you must be healthy, both mentally and physically along with being a non-smoker or you must quit smoking before the procedure.

To get the best results from the procedure, it is highly recommended that you have a candid conversation with your plastic surgeon and cover your expectations and goals from the surgery. Benefits of Breast Augmentation Procedure

A breast augmentation procedure has many benefits as it can significantly alter your upper body’s appearance. Some of the most common benefits of this procedure include:

A confidence boost: Losing a significant amount of breast volume or having breasts that you are not happy with can affect how you view yourself and impair your self-esteem and self-worth. Undergoing this procedure can reduce these problems and give you the confidence boost you deserve.
Improved social life: A Negative perception can affect how you present yourself which in turn affects your social and personal life. The confidence boost you get after the procedure can be extremely effective in improving your social life and interpersonal relationships.
Improved breast shape and the way you look in clothes: Breastfeeding, pregnancy, weight loss, and aging can take a toll on the shape of your breasts and even make them asymmetrical.
Improved mental health: Impairment of social and personal life, along with distortion of your breast shape can negatively affect your mental health, resulting in several mental health disorders, such as body dysmorphic disorder. Undergoing the surgery can help improve your mental health to an extent.

Next Steps

Always Do Your Research

Enquire to find out more about your surgery
Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure

Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?

A GP Referral is required to Consult with Dr Turner (under new AHPRA Regulations)
Please obtain a referral from your GP or Specialist if you want a consultation for an MBS item number surgery.
Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral

Making The Most Of Your Consultation

Please arrive slightly early for your in-person consultation
You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options
Please be aware you may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothes
Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

Find out more about pricing and payment plans
Request more information about the procedure – call or contact us

How to Book Your Consultation

You can book your initial consultation by paying the $350 cosmetic consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment

BOOK A PHONE CALL FOR MORE INFO

To find out more information about surgery you can book a FREE 15-minute phone conversation with our Friendly Patient Care team via Calendly- Book Consultant 1 or Book Consultant 2

Contact us or call on 1300 437 758 to arrange your surgeon consultation in Sydney.

Email us for more information: enquiries@drturner.com.au

Busting the Breast Augmentation Myths – The Truth