TL;DR:
- Breast augmentation isn't only for small breasts; it's used for asymmetry, post-mastectomy, firmness loss (e.g., aging, pregnancy), or combined with a lift.
- Implants rarely affect breastfeeding; when placed under the muscle, breastfeeding is typically unaffected.
- Implants don't restrict flying or diving; they won't rupture from pressure changes and contain safe materials.
- Modern implants can provide natural-looking results if size and shape are well-matched to the body.
- Breast augmentation isn't absolute; implants can be replaced/removed, and non-invasive options (fat transfer or hyaluronic acid) exist but may require repeating.
- Fat transfer is ideal for small augmentations; it uses fat from other body areas but isn’t suitable for underweight patients.
- Consult a specialist for personalized advice and to debunk myths.
Small or firmness-deficient breasts are a complex for many women: it is not without reason that breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgeries in the world. However, a lot of myths have grown up around this procedure, which make some ladies afraid to opt for breast augmentation. In this article, we have collected the most popular ones and confronted them with the truth.
Myth 1: Only women with small breasts get breast augmentation.
Of course, the most common motivation for performing the procedure is a small bust, which makes the figure look disproportionate and makes a woman feel uncomfortable in her body. However, this is not the only reason why so many patients opt for breast augmentation. The procedure is also helpful for breast asymmetry, congenital underdevelopment of the breasts or post-mastectomy conditions – during treatment of breast cancer or as a result of their prevention. It is also possible to combine breast augmentation with a breast lift. Women whose breasts have lost firmness, for example, as a result of pregnancy and lactation, weight fluctuations or natural aging processes and a decrease in collagen and elastin production, particularly often opt for such procedures. A good plastic surgeon always selects the best solution for a particular patient.
Myth 2: Breast augmentation excludes breastfeeding.
This is one of the regularly repeated myths: young women are often wrongly warned against implants because it supposedly prevents breastfeeding. In most cases, the surgeon places the implant under the muscle, not directly under the mammary gland, so natural breastfeeding is possible. In rare cases, the mammary glands are damaged, in which case breastfeeding is indeed impossible. By performing the operation with a good plastic surgeon, however, such risks are minimal. Thus, the procedures are also performed without hindrance in women who plan to become pregnant in the future.
Myth 3: With implants, you can't fly a plane or dive.
It is still common to hear that implants can rupture or even explode under pressure changes. However, such horror stories are not supported by facts. Inside the implants there are no dangerous substances, but simply silicone gel, saline or a mixture of these. Breast augmentation is supposed to increase self-confidence and quality of life, not be a restriction. Having implants is not a contraindication to scuba diving or air travel – once recovery is complete, you can return to normal physical activity.
Myth 4: Enlarged breasts do not look natural.
In the past, the belief that augmented breasts look quite different from natural breasts used to be humbled. This was mainly due to the high popularity of such procedures with celebrities, who chose implants of the largest possible size. Nowadays, however, breast augmentation is also very often performed on women who do not appear on the front pages of the newspapers and care about a more natural effect. If the size and shape of the implants are well matched to the figure, distinguishing enlarged breasts from natural ones is very difficult. A good surgeon selects implants not only by size but also by shape (anatomical or round implants). This achieves a natural effect, plus avoids complications such as implant displacement.
Myth 5: Breast augmentation is a lifelong decision.
Of course, patient reassurance is very important, because breast augmentation with implants is an invasive procedure and requires about 1-2 weeks of recovery. However, this does not mean that after the operation the patient can no longer change the appearance of her breasts in any way. If necessary, the implants can be replaced or removed. Non-invasive methods of breast augmentation using the patient's own fat or hyaluronic acid are also available. These are opted for by patients who want a small augmentation – but it must be taken into account that the effects last for several years, so in order to maintain a full bust, it is necessary to repeat the procedure. For breast augmentation with one's own fat tissue, it is necessary to take it from the abdomen, flanks or thighs, so the procedure cannot be performed in underweight patients. In this way, it is possible to enlarge the breasts by an average of one size, correct asymmetry or improve the firmness of the bust. In the past, a hyaluronic acid breast augmentation procedure was used, which worked on a similar principle as lip augmentation. It has now been replaced by another method of minimally invasive breast augmentation – using the patient's own fat. Full, firm breasts are the dream of many women, but not all of us have them by nature. Fortunately, there are breast augmentation options that provide a natural result and do not involve restrictions on daily life. A good plastic surgeon will advise the patient on which method of breast augmentation will be best for her and will answer any questions she has – it is better to trust a specialist than to believe unproven myths.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation has come a long way, debunking myths and providing safe, effective options. Whether addressing size, asymmetry, or firmness, it's a personalized path to confidence. Misconceptions about breastfeeding, travel, or unnatural results are not based on facts—modern methods ensure flexibility and natural outcomes. Expert guidance from a skilled surgeon is key to achieving the desired results. Ultimately, choosing breast augmentation is about informed decisions and knowing there are solutions tailored to each individual. Ignore the myths; trust the science.
