New reports from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) say that breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgical enhancement done in the U.S., with over 307,000 plastic surgery procedures performed in 2011. Since it has become so popular, plastic surgeons say rumors and myths have become common concerning the surgical technique, side effects, and recovery of breast augmentation. Experts say the first step in getting rumors cleared is for potential candidates to be well-educated on the procedure.
Recent ASPS stats say that breast augmentation procedures have risen in demand by 4% since 2010. Some experts say patients often receive the wrong information from unreliable sources, blogs, or inexperienced and non-qualified surgeons. They say it is important as plastic surgeons to educate their patients about the safety and effectiveness of breast augmentations in order to clear up patient concerns and encourage the safe procedures.
Experts say one of the main worries patients say during consultations is whether the breast augmentation will look unnatural or fake. Through the use of silicone breast implants, surgeons have been able to achieve proportionate, natural-looking results. The latest achievements in breast augmentation technology such as gel implants have shown to reduce rippling over time, which is another worry that patients have.
Some other rumors and myths surrounding breast augmentations are its effects on breast feeding and breast cancer screenings. Experts say that since the implant is inserted underneath the muscle, breast feeding isn’t affected. Also, patients will still be able to go through breast cancer screenings normally since the implant doesn’t get in the way of the detection of breast masses physically, radiologically, nor surgically. Another myth that patients express concern about breast augmentation is the worry that the weight of the implant will make their breasts sag later on. To ease these worries, Dr. Swail offers the sub-muscular breast augmentation. The sub-muscular breast augmentation doesn’t contribute to breasts sagging because the implant is added beneath the muscle. Patients will then wear a muscle bra for life, and that should aid in preventing sagging breasts.
A consultation with board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Swail can help to answer any questions that may come up when considering breast augmentation. With recent advancements in technology and technique, many of the worries associated with the procedure can be eliminated.
