The enduring popularity of breast augmentation has also made the topic rife with myths, misunderstandings and altogether off-base ideas. That’s why board-certified San Francisco cosmetic surgeon Dr. Michael Kulick is here to clear up some of the most common misconceptions about breast augmentation surgery.
Misconception: Women can go up as many cup sizes as they want.
Reality: The goal of breast augmentation surgery is to create the most natural-looking results that leave the patient satisfied and fulfill their desire for fuller breasts. Breast surgery is a highly customizable procedure because of the types and sizes of breast implants currently available; however, patients should be realistic about the breast augmentation results they can achieve.
Factors that could affect your results include your height, weight and frame, what your breasts currently look like, the size and weight of the implants themselves and how the implants will affect your body. Your body and skin need time to adjust, so don’t assume you can go from a B cup to a DD cup in one surgery. If your goal is a sizeable increase, a better approach is to step up the implant size progressively over the course of a few years.
Misconception: Implants need to be replaced often.
Reality: Modern breast implants are designed to be long-lasting, and there’s no need to get them replaced unless an issue such as a rupture, leakage or capsular contraction occurs. The best course of action is to have regular reviews that include breast exams, mammograms or MRIs to detect any potential health problems with the implants or breasts.
Misconception: Saline implants are safer than silicone gel implants.
Reality: Whether you get saline vs. silicone implants is a matter of personal choice. There isn’t anything inherently “better” or “worse” about either material. Many women say silicone implants feel more like natural breast tissue, whereas saline implants are firmer and tend to ripple more than silicone.
Rupture of either type of implant is rare, but the saltwater in saline implants is completely natural, and your body will absorb it quickly. Leaking silicone implants do need to get removed right away, but having an MRI of your breasts every two to three years can help detect any “silent ruptures.”
Misconception: Implants will look fake.
Reality: In the earlier days of breast augmentation surgery, many women went with an artificial, “Jessica Rabbit” appearance. * While some women still want this look, many more opt for a more modest improvement of their natural contours, and the best breast augmentation surgeons can make that goal a reality.
By carefully considering breast implant factors like profile, placement and proportions, realistic-looking breast augmentation is the norm rather than the exception. Breast implant surgery has advanced enough to allow the best breast augmentation surgeons to provide subtle results that help put women’s natural beauty at the forefront.
Misconception: Implants have to be large.
Reality: The idea that breast implants should be oversized is an outdated fallacy. The truth is that beautiful, natural-looking breast enhancement can provide a subtle size increase and still deliver satisfying results for patients. Thinking all women want outsized breasts is one of the biggest misconceptions about breast augmentation surgery. With the increasing demand for more realistic images of female beauty ** in the media, plastic surgeons have seen a similarly growing demand for nicely shaped breasts that are proportional to their body type.
Misconception: Implants hinder the ability to breastfeed.
Reality: Younger women getting breast augmentations are often concerned about the potential risks surrounding breastfeeding and breast implants.
However, there is not enough medical data to show that breast implants inhibit a woman’s ability to get pregnant or to breastfeed a baby.
Misconception: Breast augmentation is mostly for younger women.
Reality: While a study from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ official journal found the average age for breast augmentation surgery was 34,*** 20- and 30-something women are not the only ones who decide to get breast augmentation. Women of all age groups, particularly after one or more pregnancies, may opt to get the procedure to restore their breast shape to a more youthful profile. There is no age limit on feeling sexy and feminine.
Misconception: Breast augmentation results are immediate.
Reality: Though you will notice a change in the size of your breasts right after surgery, you will have some initial swelling and tightening that causes the breasts to appear somewhat higher than their final position. It will take several weeks for the swelling to completely subside and the breast implants to settle into their final position. For this reason, it’s best to plan your breast augmentation procedure well in advance of an important event like a wedding, reunion, vacation or other special occasion.
Misconception: Any plastic surgeon can perform breast implant surgery.
Reality: It takes a skilled cosmetic surgeon, with years of training, to provide natural and long-lasting breast augmentation results. While some doctors claim to be the best breast augmentation surgeons, don’t assume a special focus on a type of surgery is the same as achieving board certification. With Dr. Kulick’s 20 years of experience, you can be confident you will receive a personally tailored approach to achieving the look you desire.
* Source: eonline.com, June 2014
** Source: metro.co.uk, December 2017
*** Source: ASPS, May 2013
Dr. Michael Kulick, MD is a leading board certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco, California. During an initial consultation, he’ll examine your individual anatomy, discuss all your options, and create a unique treatment plan along with any other necessary procedures. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of plastic surgery and are looking for a qualified cosmetic surgeon, use this online form to request a consultation with Dr. Kulick or call 415-956-2550.
