4 myths of breast augmentation dispelled

Breast augmentation is often resorted to by women to improve their body image and self-esteem, to restore body curves after extreme weight loss, to build one’s bust after mastectomy and modify their genetically unequal breasts.

As breast augmentation generally involves the insertion of breast implants to enhance one’s appearance, there are some myths surrounding this surgery. This article aims at dispelling some of them.

Myth #1: The most important part of breast augmentation is deciding where the scars will be located.

While scar location is something most patients are concerned about before the surgery, most people are least concerned about it after their surgery. This is because not many people pay attention to scars, blemishes and stretch marks in women with beautiful breasts, and scars fade and recede with time.

Myth #2: Breast implants last a lifetime.

Like everything else in life, breast implants do not last forever. Although the latest implants are made of the best material available, with advances every day, they do undergo wear and tear and last for approximately ten years after implantation. At that time, breast implant recovery and placement of new implants may be required.

Myth #3: The implants are supported better if they are placed ‘under muscle’.

This is not at all true as there is no evidence proving this. In fact, the main factors that affect the support of breast implants are your tissue genetics and the size of the implant you use. If your muscles are thin and stretch a lot, and if you choose large implants, there is a greater chance of the implants sagging over time.
Essentially, the firmer your muscles and the more proportionate the implants are to the size of your breasts, the lower are the chances of any sagging or problems occurring after breast augmentation.

Myth #4: Breast implants are not to be placed over the muscle.

There is no fixed rule determining where the implants should be placed, but is dependent upon the cleint’s figure and natural bust line. If the implant is placed over the muscle, it gives more definition to the upper breast region and if it is placed under the muscle, it gives less definition.
However, in some women, placing the implant over the muscle will give a less defined upper breast region and in other women, placing the implant under the muscle can still give a well defined upper breast region. A skilled plastic surgery will consider woman’s physique and personal preferences and make an appropriate recommendation. One technique does not fit all.