Five Myths About Breast Implants

In 2011, breast augmentation was the 2nd most popular cosmetic surgery procedure (according to ASAPS) with approximately 316,848 implant procedures performed.

Eternal Moment, Daniel
Courtesy of Obiarts Inc

 Among the women that received breast augmentation in 2011: 

• 4, 830 were 18 and under 
• 155,256 were 19-34 
• 125, 710 were 35-50 
• 27, 852 were 51-64 
• 3,199 were 65+ 

Whether it’s for aesthetic purposes or to reconstruct, there are various reasons why a woman chooses to have a breast augmentation. There are also many worries that come along with implant surgery. Here are the top five concerns addressed during consults.

1. Breast Implants Can Cause Cancer and Other Diseases

There is NO evidence that implants cause cancer or other diseases. The FDA has conducted several studies on implants to see if there are any links between implants and diseases. Some studies have even concluded that there is a slightly lower incidence of cancer in patients with long term implants.

2. Nursing is not Possible with Breast Implants

Women with breast implants can do most anything women without implants do – including breastfeeding. The majority of women who receive implants are able to nurse with no complications. Troubles with breastfeeding and implants are very rare and this is also true in patients with peri-areolar (nipple) incisions.

3. If a Silicone Breast Implant Ruptures, it Will Travel Through the Body

In recent years, major revisions and advancements have been made to silicone breast implants to make them safer for women. It is rare that a silicone implant ruptures, but in the case that it does, the gel tends to stay in its molded position. In 2006, the FDA announced their decision to reintroduce silicone gel implants to the market.

4. Breast Implants Need to be Replaced Every Couple of Years

Implants do not typically need to be revised nor replaced if there are no problems. In rare cases, women may need to remove implants due to health issues or the fact they do not want implants anymore.

5. The Bigger the Implant, the Better

Bigger is not always better when it comes to breast implants. Depending on a woman’s size and shape, larger implants may be nuisance or even cause injuries. Breast implants will stretch breast tissue that may cause the implant to be visible to the naked eye. Very large implants can cause the chest wall to become deformed as well. A reputable plastic surgeon will discuss size options and help you choose the best option based on your size, height and frame.

For women who don’t want silicone or saline implants, stem cell adult fat transfer may be a viable option. Transferred fat is also used in the reconstruction of breasts after cancer. This revolutionary technique is used to restore or increase volume in the breasts. One’s fat is removed from donor areas, through SlimLipo, centrifuged and filtered to produce pure adult stem cells for transfer to the breast. Breast volume retention is much longer than traditional fat transfers to the breast. 

Dr. Lewis Obi featured in Australia's CS&B Magazine and his work with
implant-free breast enhancement. Click image to read the article in its entirety.