Myths and truths about breast augmentation
Breast augmentation is currently one of the most sought-after surgeries in the world, and Portugal is no exception. There's no doubt that this surgery increases a woman's self-esteem. There are, however, many myths surrounding this surgery that we have deconstructed here.
The breast augmentation is surgery to increase volume and/or harmonise shape through the placement of silicone prostheses. This procedure is suitable for women with small breasts or who simply want to increase their volume. A breast augmentation can be carried out using different techniques and with different breast implants depending on the desired objectives and the characteristics of each woman. Due to advances in surgical techniques, the risks and complications associated with breast augmentation are getting smaller and smaller. However, despite all the information available and publicised in the media, there are still many doubts and myths surrounding breast augmentation. We clear up the main ones.
1- Do silicone prostheses cause breast cancer?
Myth. The silicone used in breast augmentation surgery is a medical device designed for this purpose. There are numerous scientific studies that prove that the placement of breast prostheses does not increase the risk of breast cancer. Silicone prostheses are even used in breast reconstruction after breast cancer.
2-Do the implants look artificial and can you tell I've had a breast augmentation?
Myth. With advances in plastic surgery and breast implants, it is possible to achieve a perfectly natural result. There are various types of breast implants, some with an anatomical shape that resembles the shape of a natural breast. However, it is crucial that you choose a plastic surgeon with experience in breast augmentation who can advise you on which breast implants suit your weight, height and physical structure. This way, you'll achieve natural-looking results.
3Is recovery very painful?
Myth. Despite being a surgical procedure, recovery from a breast augmentation is generally peaceful. It's important to note that the degree of pain/discomfort also depends on the individual, but the discomfort that is usually felt is easily alleviated by taking painkillers.
4Does surgery prevent breastfeeding?
Myth. Silicone prostheses can be placed through the inframammary fold, under the mammary gland or under the muscle, with no direct contact with the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. On the other hand, the prostheses are lined with a resistant capsule and the silicone inside is highly cohesive, so it doesn't leak or ooze. So, breastfeeding can be carried out normally.
5-Don't dentures last a lifetime and need to be replaced?
True. Silicone implants are not designed to last a lifetime, because like any other material, prostheses also wear out naturally. However, there is no exact time for implants to be replaced, as each case is different. Some women change their prostheses after 10 years, others after 15 or even 20 years. It is recommended that you have them checked regularly and replaced if any changes arise that warrant revision surgery.
6-Can the prosthesis break?
Myth and Truth. It rarely happens, but it is possible, for example, due to an accident. As a rule, the prosthesis is elastic, resistant and difficult to break. Nowadays, silicone prostheses are made of cohesive gel so that in the event of a rupture, there is no migration of the gel to the outside.
7Is there a change in sensitivity?
Myth and Truth. Changes in sensitivity can occur after breast augmentation. However, these changes are usually transitory and in most cases sensitivity is regained a few months after surgery. On the other hand, the larger the breast implants, the greater the change in sensitivity, as the space for the prosthesis is larger and the nerve damage may be more extensive.
8- Is it possible for the prosthesis to be rejected?
True. The capsular contracture better known as prosthesis rejection is one of the most common complications of breast augmentation. However, the percentage of occurrences is quite low. In response to a “foreign body”, the body develops scar tissue around the prosthesis that can compress it to the point of causing discomfort and a change in shape. Depending on the degree of capsular contracture, revision surgery may be necessary.
9Does the surgery involve a lot of scarring?
Myth. It's true that surgery always involves scars, but developments in aesthetic medicine mean that breast augmentation surgery can be carried out using discreet scars. And all the regions chosen for the surgical approach are areas of natural skin folds, leaving the scar disguised and very discreet: inframammary fold or areolar region.
10Is there an age limit for prostheses?
Myth. There is no specific age for breast augmentation. It is essential that the woman is physically mature and it is extremely important that she is well informed about all aspects of the surgery, including recovery, results and possible complications.
