Breast Augmentation: 8 Common Myths Put to the Test by Science
Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed procedures in cosmetic surgery. Yet it remains shrouded in persistent misconceptions that can sometimes cause anxiety. Here’s what the scientific literature actually says about it, backed by sources, without marketing hype or generalizations.
Can we choose the volume we want?
False. The volume that can be achieved depends primarily on the patient’s breast base. Of course, I aim for the maximum possible, but there is often a limit that must not be exceeded if a natural-looking result is to be maintained. This is not a subjective opinion: it is the foundation of modern planning systems such as Tebbetts« High Five, which determine the optimal volume based on objective tissue measurements (tissue thickness, skin elasticity, base width), rather than a desired »cup size.” This system also demonstrates that there is no medical definition of cup size.
Under the muscle or on top of the muscle?
I use the technique of dual plan, which combines the best of both approaches. In this technique, the upper part of the’breast implant is covered by the pectoralis major muscle, while the lower portion is covered only by breast tissue. This helps conceal the implant at the top and on the inside, while preventing a stiff appearance in the lower portion. Described by Tebbetts in 2001, this technique combines a submuscular placement with variable dissection in the subglandular plane, which can be adjusted according to each patient’s anatomy. Cosmetic Surgery BaltimoreOxford Academic
Reference: Tebbetts JB. Dual-plane breast augmentation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2001;107(5):1255-1272.
Don't implants look unnatural?
False. It is entirely possible to achieve a perfectly natural-looking result with breast implants. A natural appearance does not depend on the presence of an implant, but rather on the choice of volume, the placement technique, and respect for the body’s anatomy. This is precisely the goal of the’breast augmentation Using a dual-plane approach: Depending on the size and degree of breast sagging, the portion of the implant covered by the muscle can be adjusted to achieve the most natural-looking result possible. Cosmetic Surgery Baltimore
Can't we sleep on our stomachs anymore?
False. This is a temporary discomfort that lasts only as long as it takes for the wound to heal. You’ll be able to sleep on your stomach again after about a month, once the tissues have stabilized.
Does that prevent people from getting mammograms?
False. Radiologists use a specific technique called the Eklund maneuver, first described in 1988. The principle behind this technique is to gently push the implant toward the chest wall in order to pull the breast tissue forward and compress it on its own. In practice, a woman with implants typically undergoes between 4 and 8 X-rays, compared to 4 for a woman without implants. Screening therefore remains entirely possible and reliable. Dr. StrukPOLYTECH Health & Aesthetics
Reference: Eklund GW, et al. Improved imaging of the augmented breast. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1988;151(3):469-473.
Do implants need to be replaced every 10 years?
False. There is no automatic «expiration date» after 10 years. However, regular follow-up is essential. The FDA recommends MRI or ultrasound monitoring for silicone implants, starting at 5 to 6 years, and then every 2 to 3 years, to detect any silent ruptures. Monitoring takes precedence over routine replacement. Gartner Plastic Surgery
Can't breastfeed anymore?
Mostly false, but with an honest nuance. Breastfeeding remains possible in the vast majority of cases. A 2023 meta-analysis shows that approximately 82% of women with implants are able to breastfeed, compared to approximately 88% of women without implants. The difference is real but modest. The determining factors are the type of incision and the preservation of glandular tissue: modern surgical techniques are specifically designed to preserve nipple sensitivity and the ability to produce milk. Note: Breastfeeding exclusive It may be a little less common, which is why lactation support is helpful if needed. PubMedInfantRisk Center
Reference: Systematic review and meta-analysis, breastfeeding outcomes with breast implants, 2023 (PROSPERO CRD42022357909).
Does it increase the risk of breast cancer?
That's not true for breast cancer, but let's be precise and thorough. A meta-analysis of cohort studies concludes that women who underwent a breast augmentation Women who undergo cosmetic surgery do not have an increased risk of breast cancer. In fact, several studies have found that the risk is lower than expected, with no excess mortality or delays in detection. PubMedPubMed
However, we must distinguish a rare and well-defined entity: the BIA-ALCL, lymphoma (a cancer of the immune system, and not (breast cancer) that can develop in the capsule surrounding the implant. It occurs overwhelmingly with textured-surface implants and, to date, has never been confirmed with exclusively smooth implants. It is precisely for this reason that implant selection and follow-up care are so important, and that macrotextured implants have been withdrawn from the market in several countries, including France. American Society of Plastic Surgeons
References: Noels EC, et al. Breast Implants and the Risk of Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis. Aesthetic Surg J. 2015;35(1):55-62. — FDA Safety Communication, BIA-ALCL, 2019.
