More than 313,000 breast augmentations were performed in the U.S. in 2018, making it the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure. Despite the fact that so many women have undergone this transformative surgery, there is still plenty of misinformation about it circulating online and via word of mouth. Maybe you’ve heard that breast augmentation is only for younger women, or that it will make your breasts disproportionately large. Have you been told that implants are unsafe or that they must be replaced every few years?

The myths surrounding breast augmentation are numerous. Thankfully, the board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ are here to expertly dispel them and provide patients with the correct information they need in order to feel confident about going forward with their procedure. In this article, they breakdown 10 of the biggest fallacies about breast augmentation.

10 Myths About Breast Augmentation

Implants make breasts look fake.

During the 1990s, trends in breast augmentation favored a heavily enhanced look. However, this is no longer the case, as current trends support a more natural appearance. New implant technology has allowed for better designs and materials that help the devices look and feel more like natural breasts. When breast augmentations are performed by the skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons of The Peer Group, beautiful results are achieved.

Only women who crave attention get breast augmentation.

Although an increase in attention may be experienced after undergoing breast augmentation, it usually is not the primary reason for a woman to opt for the surgery. In most cases, Greater New Jersey patients turn to the procedure as a way to help clothing fit better as well as to feel more comfortable and confident about their appearance. Breast augmentation is a highly personal procedure. There are a multitude of reasons why a woman may choose to enhance her bustline.

Sagging breasts can be improved with implants.

Several factors can cause natural breasts to sag and appear deflated. These can include pregnancy, extreme weight loss, and the effects of aging. While implants can improve and enhance the shape and size of the breasts, they do not address sagginess. It has been suggested that by placing an implant beneath the muscle, the device may work to support the breast and possibly prevent sagging in the future. However, scientific evidence to support this theory does not exist.

For patients who grapple with sagging, droopy breasts, a breast lift procedure can be performed as part of your augmentation. This is designed to reposition the breasts higher on the body so that they may look more perky and youthful.

Your surgery scars will be unsightly.

Advancements in surgical techniques for breast augmentation have made significant scarring a thing of the past. Depending on the placement of the incisions that your plastic surgeon makes, scars can be easily hidden by undergarments or a swimsuit. When incisions are placed in the underarm area, the breasts will be free of scars. The board-certified plastic surgeons of The Peer Group carefully consider the various styles of breast augmentation when determining how to create the best possible aesthetic outcomes for patients.

Implants make breastfeeding impossible.

This pervasive myth is one of the biggest involving breast augmentations. It also is entirely untrue. Many Greater New Jersey women are pleased to learn that in most cases, it is still possible to breastfeed your children after implants have been placed. During your consultation with the board-certified plastic surgeons of The Peer Group, be sure to discuss your desire to breastfeed the following augmentation.

Nipple sensitivity disappears after surgery.

It is possible for some patients, especially those who select larger implants, to experience a temporary decrease or loss of nipple sensation as a result of breast augmentation. This is a result of nerves being stretched by the implants. As your body slowly adjusts to your newly augmented chest, nipple sensitivity should be restored.

Only younger women can get breast implants.

In general, breast augmentation is an option for women of almost any age. While it is popular among New Jersey area women in their 20s and 30s, many patients turn to the surgery during their 40s once they are finished having children and wish to restore confidence in the appearance of their body. As with any cosmetic surgery, women considering breast augmentation should be in good health and capable of setting and maintaining realistic expectations for the surgery as well as its results.

There is no such thing as a safe implant.

You likely have heard frightening accounts of women who claim to have fallen ill as the result of a ruptured breast implant. It is important to know that implants are extremely durable devices. They are manufactured and thoroughly tested according to federal government safety standards. In fact, estimates show that only about 10% of saline implants burst within the first decade and require replacement. With silicone implants, that number is even lower.

Implants must be replaced every few years.

While some breast implant manufacturers recommend that the devices be removed and replaced after 10 years, the majority of plastic surgeons disagree as long as the implant has not ruptured, and the patient is satisfied with how it is performing. Deciding to increase or decrease the size of your breasts can make it necessary for your implants to be replaced. However, barring a rupture or another rare complication, long-lasting saline and silicone implants usually do not need to be routinely replaced.

Breast augmentation is a simple procedure.

Although the surgical techniques associated with breast augmentation are fairly straightforward, it takes a highly trained plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast augmentation and a keen eye for detail, such as those of The Peer Group, to create the stunningly beautiful, natural-looking result. Before moving forward with your procedure, be sure to thoroughly research a plastic surgeon’s medical and practice history and confirm that he or she specializes in breast augmentation. This will help to ensure that your surgery goes well and that you receive an excellent aesthetic outcome.

Now that you know the facts about breast augmentation, you may feel more confident in moving forward with this extremely popular procedure for yourself. Schedule a consultation with the board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ to begin the journey toward discovering a new you.