Whether you want to look better in your clothing or enhance your profile, breast augmentation is one of the most popular ways to alter your appearance. Breast augmentation procedures, also known as breast implants or a “boob job,” are the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed in America, according to a report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Even though women with breast implants are seemingly everywhere, there is still conflicting information out there about this surgery.

The myths surrounding breast augmentation are numerous. Thankfully, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Erick Sanchez, founder of Sanchez Plastic Surgery in Baton Rouge, LA is here to expertly dispel them and provide patients with the correct information they need to feel confident about going forward with their procedure. In this article, Dr. Sanchez uncovers six common fallacies about breast augmentation.

The background on breast implants

Breast implants first made their mark in the 1960s but rose in popularity in the 1980s. Women who undergo breast augmentation are typically trying to achieve a more significant size and shape to their natural breasts. Today, there are several different implant options in types, shapes, and sizes and they are much safer than the implants of past decades. It has never been a better time for women in Baton Rouge, LA to consider breast implant surgery to feel better about how they look.

Why women choose breast implants

Every woman has her own unique and personal reasons for considering breast augmentation. Breast implants can give patients larger, fuller breasts while boosting their physical appearance. Women tend to feel sexier and more confident after breast augmentation surgery, and in general, are happy they made the decision. Some of the reasons why Baton Rouge area patients decide to get breast implants:

• Ill-fitting clothing
• Weight loss has changed the shape and volume of their natural breasts
• Due to age, breasts look deflated or lack volume
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding have altered their natural breasts
• Part of reconstructive surgery due to a mastectomy

Despite your reason for considering breast implants, finding the right, highly skilled plastic surgeon and seeking the correct information about the procedure are the first steps in this process. When gathering your facts about this cosmetic surgery, there are some common fallacies. Let’s dispel six common myths about breast implants and provide some additional information that you may not know about breast augmentation.

Myth #1: Breast implants last a lifetime

It’s a fact. Breast implants do not last forever. Breast implants, either saline or silicone, should be replaced every 10 to 15 years, but this varies by patient. However, this is usually about the time patients with implants opt for a revision to eliminate natural breast sag due to age or changes in their breast shape. Some patients either decide to go bigger or smaller with their next implant devices. If you go into breast augmentation surgery knowing you will have to maintain them, you will have reasonable expectations about future operations.

Myth #2: Breastfeeding and breast implants don’t work

One of the biggest concerns for women when it comes to breast augmentation surgery is, “Can I breastfeed?” With proper planning, your plastic surgeon can provide surgical assistance with the incision and adequate implant placement to allow for breastfeeding in the future. Most women who want to breastfeed can do so after getting breast implants, but your desires need to be vocalized.

Myth #3: Most breast implants look unnatural

An experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Sanchez assists patients in selecting the best implant size, shape, and type that fits proportionately with their bodies. With proper placement and size, breast implants can look beautiful and natural. Working closely with an expert surgeon like Dr. Sanchez helps you feel comfortable with your decision.

Myth #4: Recovery from breast augmentation is hard

Every patient recovers from any surgery at their own pace. The myth surrounding breast implants is that it is painful. Most women experience only slight discomfort during the recovery process. If patients do experience pain, it is typically during the first few days after the surgery and is manageable with prescribed pain medication. After a few days, patients can transition to over-the-counter pain relief.

Myth #5: Results of breast augmentation are instant

While you will be able to tell the difference in your breasts after having implants, it will not be the initial result after surgery. Breast implants will rest at a higher location on the chest with some additional swelling until they settle into a more natural position after a couple of weeks or longer. Over time, the swelling will subside, and if you follow your recovery instructions, your breasts will look amazing in a couple of months. You have to let time pass.

Myth #6: 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 sagging. 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.

Now that you know some of the facts about breast augmentation, you may feel more confident in moving forward with this coveted procedure for yourself. Regardless of the reason for your desire to obtain breast implants, they can have a dramatic impact on your life. Your confidence level, your profile, and your sexiness factor can all improve with this decision. Let Dr. Erick Sanchez give you the gorgeous shape you’ve always wanted. Call Sanchez Plastic Surgery in Baton Rouge, LA today to schedule your consultation and begin the journey toward discovering a new you.