Breast Augmentation: 3 Common Myths, Busted

Submitted by Dr. Bernabe Vazquez on December 4, 2020

When it comes to breast augmentation surgery, there’s a LOT of misinformation floating around out there. Don’t let misinformation stand between you and a body you love in 2021! We’re here to finally set the record straight, and tell it like it is. Here are three myths related to breast implants we hear often, followed by the real-deal info you need to understand the topic. 

Myth 1: You can’t breastfeed with breast implants

First and foremost, let’s go ahead and identify this clearly as wrong. Millions of women around the world have had safe breast augmentation surgery, and have never had an issue breastfeeding their children. A simple conversation with your plastic-surgeon is all it takes to make sure this is never an issue to begin with — the key to preserving your body’s ability to breastfeed starts with the incision.

For women who might want to pursue motherhood after a breast augmentation, your doctor would choose a different type of incision or implant entry point. This ensures the surrounding tissue/muscle remains untouched. In some cases, breast augmentation procedures begin with incisions below or around the nipple, which can cause irritation or unseen damage to the glands that produce lactation. 

In the case of women who’d eventually like to breastfeed, however, a simple change of technique is all it takes. The surgeon would make their incision under existing breast tissue, or in the armpit, for example. With these preemptive practices in place, there is nothing to keep you from naturally nursing your newborn with your beautifully augmented breasts. 

Myth 2: Breast implants must be replaced after 10 years

While it is true that the technology and techniques for breast augmentations are constantly evolving, one common concern that stirs doubt in patients is the deterioration of implants over time. However, there’s no hard and fast rule that says implants have a set shelf-life. In fact, so long as they’re checked regularly for irregularities or ruptures, breast implants can often safely stay intact for decades.

It is important to note, our bodies do age naturally over time. While a breast implant may remain intact and viable, surrounding tissue of the breast tends to sag over time – a breast lift may be required to correct these natural signs of aging. 

Occasionally, a more severe form of a common condition known as capsular contractures occurs. Capsular contracture is a natural formation of scar tissue around the implant. This generally works in your favor, by keeping implants in place. Once in a while, this condition escalates to a place where further treatment is necessary, though this, much like implant rupture, is rare. To be clear, this condition is not caused by breast implants being in any way toxic or dangerous. 

Myth 3: Any cosmetic surgeon can perform a breast augmentation procedure

As anyone who has ever had a bad haircut from a new stylist can tell you, not all hairstylists are created equal. This is also true for plastic surgery, but with far more dire consequences. Board-certified plastic surgeons have six to eight years of intensive specified training in their field of expertise, and have passed both written and oral examinations before the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). 

In contrast, a cosmetic surgeon undergoes more general training about the processes of the body as a whole. A dentist can be considered a cosmetic surgeon. Let that sink in for a moment. Would you want a dentist performing your breast augmentation? 

Dr. Bernabe Vazquez has more than three decades of experience as a Board certified plastic surgeon, and has completed hundreds — if not more — of safe, natural-looking breast implant surgeries in his Miami, Florida office. He and his team of compassionate, competent, and caring professionals work with each patient every step of the way. 

Are you ready to start the conversation about breast augmentation, or other breast-related surgical procedures? Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Bernabe Vazquez, with in person, over the phone, or via video conference by calling 305-858-8222.