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The 10 Biggest Myth's About Breast Augmentation

Written By: Stuart A. Linder, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Beverly Hills, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Myth #1 - Breast Implants Can Cause Cancer
False: No studies or experimental data have ever been able to link breast implants with cancer.

Myth #2 - Breast Implants Must be Removed Every 10 Years
False: There is no specific data on duration of time for implant replacement. The implants may last a lifetime or only a few years depending on complications, including deflation, scar tissue formation or choice to change the size of the implants.

Myth #3 - I Should Never Wear an Underwire Bra with Implants
False: Underwire bras can and should be worn, but only once all healing has occurred. Over time, without proper support the weight of the implants can create significant sagginess and stretching of the breast tissue and skin.

Myth #4 - Shaped Implants are More Natural than Round Implants
False: Imaging studies of the chest have shown that both shaped (anatomical) and round implants appear to have a similar natural slope when properly placed under the muscle. One complication that can occur with shaped implants is rotation of the bag, which can lead to disfigurement.

Myth #5 - Loss of Sensitivity of the Nipple is Associated Only with the Periareolar Approach
False: Numbness can occur from any approach if the nerves are stretched or traumatized during surgery.

Myth #6 - Mammograms are Not Possible with Implants
False: Placement of the implants, either Silicone or Saline under the muscle will help with Displacement Technique Mammography and allows for excellent sensitivity results.

Myth #7 - Women Over the Age of 50 Should Not Undergo Breast Augmentation
False: Patients of any age may undergo the implant surgery as long as they are healthy, in good medical condition and free of breast cancer. Lab work is required for all surgery candidates, and a routine mammogram is required for anyone over the age of 35 or with a family history of breast cancer.

Myth #8 - Mammograms are Not Possible with Implants
False: Placement of the implants, either Silicone or Saline under the muscle will help with Displacement Technique Mammography and allows for excellent sensitivity results.

Myth #9 - The Most Common Reason for Reopening the Incision is the Patient’s Desire to Remove the Implant Entirely
False: Actually deflation, 18% and Capsular Contracture, also 18% are the #1 reasons for reopening, or undergoing a second procedure.

Myth #10 - More Women Desire to Go Larger on the Next Surgery and Believe That They Went Too Small Originally
True: Women become accustomed to the swelling that generally occurs during the first 2 – 3 months after surgery, when that subsides they miss the fuller feeling and desire to have slightly larger implants put in to compensate for the loss of the swelling.

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Stuart. A. Linder, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a Beverly Hills plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck, and more.

Dr. Linder is certified by the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and is a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).

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