Breast Implant Fact vs. Fiction

Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed today. Every year, almost 300,000 women undergo breast augmentation in the U.S., including silicone gel, saline and the newer structured implants, according to the latest statistics obtained by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). With this growing popularity, our staff at GLOW Surgical Arts sees more and more clients who misunderstand how sensitive and important this subject can be. Using experience and knowledge, our Redwood City surgeons Dr. Paul Gorman and Dr. Renee Marshall want to help you clarify fact from fiction when it comes to breast implants.

FICTION: Implants have a 10-year lifespan.

Breast implants are prosthetic devices that are not expected to last forever, and there are known complications that can be associated with breast implants. The most common reasons that implants may need to be replaced include rupture, leakage, and capsular contracture. The more time that passes since implants are placed, the higher the chance that there may be a leak or rupture, but there is no absolute indication to remove or replace implants at the 10-year mark. Breast implant removal, with or without replacement, only should be considered if and when any complications occur.

FICTION: Breast implants cause diseases.

There are false reports of patients who claim to have developed any number of health problems as a result of their breast implants. Scientific studies have shown any association between implants and systemic or autoimmune diseases to be false. Also, there is no increased risk of breast cancer in patients with breast implants. It is important to understand that the implants that are currently available from our Redwood City Surgeons, are all FDA-approved. Recently, a rare type of lymphoma called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) has been identified in association with implants from the 1960s that didn't undergo testing.

FICTION: Implants are dangerous during breastfeeding.

Women who undergo breast augmentation may be concerned about potential risks for the baby should they subsequently become pregnant. You should note that studies have shown that there is no medical risk for babies who are born to or breastfed by women with saline or silicone breast implants. There are no risks in breast augmentation that would make the surgery a threat to your future baby or pregnancy.

FICTION: Any size of implant is right for you.

With the hundreds of types and sizes of breast implants currently available, your breast augmentation options may seem limitless. The exact cup size that may be expected to be obtained from surgery is not always so simple to choose. To achieve the most natural results, the chosen implant should match the patient's own breast dimensions and characteristics, in terms of breast width, diameter and position on the chest wall. Placing a very large implant under a small, narrow breast will most likely result in an implant that won't look right. Another consideration is the actual weight of the implants themselves. Bigger is not always better when it comes to selecting the right breast implant for you.

Breast augmentation in the Bay Area

Don't let social media or reality TV educate you on breast implants. Talk to a professional like the ones on staff at GLOW Surgical Arts. Contact your Bay Area cosmetic surgeons, Dr. Renee Marshall, and Dr. Paul Gorman today. If you live in the Redwood City, CA and San Francisco Bay Area, we’re here for you. Schedule your first appointment at (650) 241-2209 for any questions you may have about breast augmentation.