Breast implant surgery is the most popular cosmetic breast procedure in the industry. Over the years, hundreds of different online communities have surfaced where patients can share their experiences and important information surrounding breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery. While these communities have countless benefits for patients, they do increase the risk of significant misinformation among the community. There are a few consistent misconceptions surrounding breast implants and breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery. This blog post aims to outline three of the greatest myths of breast augmentation mammoplasty and clarify the facts surrounding them.

Breast Implants can “pop”?

Probably one of the most common misconceptions surrounding breast augmentation mammoplasty is the idea that breast implants can “pop”. This misconception stems from the patient understanding of old saline implants. Saline implants are characterised by a silicone shell filled with saline solution (basically salt water). Saline implants have been around since the 1960s. They were the preferred choice of implant for many decades, and are still quite popular in the US. Today in Australia, less than 8 plastic surgeons across the country use Saline implants.

Saline implants are inserted as an empty shell and then filled once they are implanted. There are a number of reasons Saline implants are no longer in vogue. Saline implants feel more unnatural according to anecdotal evidence. Also, saline breast implant sizing is more difficult and the filling process is not as precise as what can be achieved with a silicone implant. The projection and volume cannot be as easily manipulated with a saline implant. Probably the most prominent disadvantage of saline implants is that when they rupture, they deflate entirely. The saline solution absorbs into the body with no health risk, however the breast will be visibly different. This is where the idea of an implant “popping” comes from.

Can silicone breast implants pop?

In the past 20 years, silicone implants have become the preferred implant type for plastic surgeons in Australia. Silicone implants come pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel that mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. When a silicone breast implant ruptures you may not notice at the time, or ever. Silicone rupture tends to remain contained within the breast implant capsule and does not present any noticeable symptoms. In some cases if the gel leaks beyond the capsule you may experience symptoms such as distortion of shape or pain. Removal and replacement is an option, but in many cases is not urgent or necessary.

The idea that a breast implant can “pop” is a misguided belief that does not relate to silicone breast implants. Breast implants can rupture but often this is often not noticeable. There is no urgency to remove and replace if the patient is unbothered.

You should replace your breast implants every 10 years?

Another extremely common myth surrounding breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery is that you should replace your breast implants every ten years. The idea that breast implants have some sort of “expiry date” is false. In 2011, the FDA conducted a report on the safety of silicone implants. The article stated that just 20% of women required re-operation within the first 10 years. What’s important is that this included patients who were choosing to change their implants for aesthetic reasons. Aesthetic reasons include wanting to get a bigger implant, or change the shape. Essentially, the number was taken out of context and became the supposed “lifetime” of an implant. The evidence actually stated that over 80% of patients had no issues well over the ten year mark.

Plastic surgeon in Brisbane, Dr. Phil Richardson has seen patients from all walks of life, many of whom have enjoyed their breast implants for well over 10 years. Some patients enjoy the longevity of their implants for 30 years or more! The recommendation of Dr. Richardson is to have routine breast implant check-ups and ultrasounds. The BRAS Clinic provides entirely bulk-billed review services to women with breast implants in Brisbane.

Will breast implants correct breast ptosis?

The third myth surrounding breast implants is that they are an appropriate surgical option to help women with breast ptosis (laxity). It’s very common that patients will call to make an appointment for a breast augmentation mammoplasty and come to their consultation with severe breast laxity. They are often surprised to hear that they will actually require a breast lift mastopexy or breast reduction mammoplasty prior to implants. While breast implants can help to rectify a small level of ptosis by filling out loose skin, women with significant laxity will actually see a worsening of this issue from implants. This is due to the fact that breast implants will place excessive downward pressure on the breast tissue and cause more downward movement over time. In these cases, a breast lift mastopexy or reduction mammoplasty will be required.

If you’re unsure of whether you would require a breast lift mastopexy or breast reduction mammoplasty prior to having implants, feel free to contact Dr. Richardson’s clinic today to organise a complimentary photo assessment.

Conclusion

In today’s society we are provided with a plethora of resources to help better understand cosmetic surgery and make more informed decisions. We can connect easily with like-minded women who can share their experiences and advice. This helps to facilitate safer surgeries and better outcomes. Of course, word travels fast. Just as helpful information can spread, false information can also disseminate quickly and widely. It’s important to do your own research outside of forums and discussion boards to ensure the information you are digesting is correct and current. This blog post aims to outline a few of the common misconceptions surrounding breast augmentation mammoplasty and breast implants, and clarify the truth behind them.

If you have any questions regarding cosmetic breast surgery or would like to make an appointment to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon in Brisbane, call us today.