Breast Augmentation: Fact vs. Fiction

By Jerome Edelstein, MD

Despite the fact that more and more women are opting for breast augmentation, there is a lot of misinformation out there about the procedure. This article will help you separate the fact from the fiction.Fiction: I like the results of my friend’s surgery and therefore I should go to the same surgeon and get the same kind of implants in order to get the same result.

Fact: Every woman’s body is different, and an identical procedure performed on different women cannot guarantee identical results. To determine what kind of implants and procedure are best for you, you should consult a qualified surgeon who will make recommendations based on your personal goals and unique anatomy.

Fiction: One of my breasts is smaller than the other. A cosmetic surgeon can easily fix this problem with breast augmentation.

Fact: It is only natural that your body is not perfectly symmetrical and this includes your breasts. Each breast can only accommodate a certain size of implant before you risk changes to the shape. While a good surgeon can help you achieve a more balanced appearance, they can never guarantee two breasts that are perfectly equal in size.

Fiction: Breast surgery is a simple procedure and it can be performed by any plastic surgeon.

Fact: While placing an implant in itself is not difficult, it takes a trained surgeon with a keen aesthetic eye to accurately size a woman and produce results that she will be happy with for years to come.

Fiction: Breast size can be determined by the bra cup size that a woman wears.

Fact: Cup sizes in bras vary from designer to designer and they are not a good tool to accurately measure the size of a woman’s breasts. Rather, it is important to take measurements based on a woman’s own anatomy.

Fiction: When it comes to breast size, bigger is better.

Fact: Breasts that are too big will look unnatural. The goal of your surgeon should be to create an attractive shape in which the size of your breasts are proportional to your hips and shoulders. You also need to remember, that the larger your implants are, the more likely your breasts will be to sag as you get older. Age, anatomy, and tissue should all factor into your surgeon’s recommendations.

Fiction: I will only require breast augmentation once in my lifetime.

Fact: No implant will last forever. On average, you can expect breast implants to last approximately 15 years before they need to be replaced. Changes in a woman’s body due to pregnancy, aging and hormones may also cause them to need replacing sooner.

Fiction: Saline implants are better for your health than silicone implants

Fact: Silicone implants were taken off the market for 14 years due to concerns that they were dangerous. In 2000, however, they were re-introduced after a panel of experts concluded they were safe.

The determining factors in whether you should choose saline or silicone implants should be your personal goals, anatomy, and the advice of your surgeon.

If you are considering breast augmentation in Toronto, or have any further questions about the fact vs. fiction of this procedure, contact Edelstein Cosmetic today.