Once you decide to undergo breast augmentation, you may wish to share this information with your family and friends. While most of them will probably be happy for you, some may voice their concerns about possible adverse health or aesthetic effects of breast augmentation. Although family and friends mean well in doing so, some of their worries may simply not be based on fact. Over the years, Dr. Paul Pin has heard many myths about breast augmentation. Below are some of the more common misconceptions he has come across in the course of his practice.

Safety of Silicone Breast Implants

Perhaps the biggest myth about breast implants, specifically silicone ones, concerns their safety and likelihood of leaking or rupturing, leading to breast hardening and potential development of painful cysts. It is certainly true that some of the first silicone implants, which came into use in the 1960s, were prone to such problems. Furthermore, diagnostic imaging technology had not advanced to a level in which silicone implant leaks or ruptures could be readily detected before causing widespread damage to the body.

However, major advances in both the material for the outer shell of the implants, as well as the silicone gel itself, have drastically cut down on the risks of leaks and ruptures. The outer shells are not as rigid as early models, so allow for more "give." The new cohesive silicone implants have a rubber-like consistency (sometimes called Gummy Bear implants because of their similarity to the popular candy).

Artificial Appearance

While breast augmentation is meant to increase the size of the breasts, this does not mean that the breasts will look artificial. The key to a good breast augmentation procedure is selecting the proper implant size and profile (the height of the implant as compared to its width) for each patient. In essence, the outcome from this procedure should be customized to each patient to fit her specific body type.

As one example of this customization, an implant with a low profile (greater width than height) is best suited to patients with a wide chest, as low profile implants will look too crowded on a patient with a small frame. Conversely, high profile implants (greater height than width) are better suited for thinner chests, but will look spaced too far apart on a wide one.

Implants Will Fix Droopy Breasts

Pregnancy and breastfeeding, dramatic weight loss, and the effects of aging can all cause the breasts sag and droop. Many people may think that breast augmentation can restore the breasts to a more youthful appearance. While breast augmentation can help the breasts look rounder and fuller, it cannot correct for droopy breasts by itself. Instead, the augmentation must be combined with a breast lift procedure to lift the breasts up to a higher positon on the chest and enhance their size. If only an augmentation is performed, the breasts may droop even further due to their larger size and shape.

Electing to have breast augmentation is a very personal decision. It is important to get the correct information about the procedure, breast implants, and expected outcomes. Dr. Pin is more than happy to answer all of your questions during your consultation.