In 2016, the most popular type of plastic surgery among all body procedures was breast augmentation, with 290,476 surgeries performed in total. Despite its popularity, many misconceptions still surround cosmetic breast alteration.
Once and for all, we’d like to dispel some myths that continue to haunt breast augmentation. Here are three myths about breast-related cosmetic surgeries that simply aren’t true:
1. All Breast Surgeries Are the Same
Many individuals believe that plastic surgeons alter breasts with a single goal in mind: making them larger. However, many types of surgeries exist to help women achieve different desired results. Breast lifts, for example, combat breast ptosis (loss of firmness), while breast reductions actually make breasts smaller. Breast reductions or augmentations can even be used to make two differently-sized breasts more even. A breast implant may aim to change any aspect of the shape of a breast, and current trends favor natural-looking results.
2. Women With Implants Cannot Breastfeed
Contrary to popular belief, when breast implants are inserted beneath the breast tissue or chest muscle, they generally do not hinder breastfeeding. Extensive research has also found that breast milk will not contain higher levels of silicone or other chemicals if a woman with implants chooses to breastfeed.
3. Implants Are Unsafe
The FDA strictly regulates all breast implant manufacturing in the United States. Each implant is tested to ensure it is safe for long-term use. Additionally, the surgery itself is a low-risk procedure. It has about as much potential for harm as any other surgery involving anesthesia. The recovery process takes a few weeks though this may vary from person to person, and any after-surgery discomfort is often easily managed with painkillers and rest.
Though many may believe that breast implants are unsafe or impractical, these beliefs are often inaccurate. Plastic surgeons have spent decades working to ensure breast augmentation and other cosmetic surgeries are as low-risk as possible. For more information or to schedule a consultation in the Gainesville area, contact Gaines Plastic Surgery today!