Beyond the Myths: The Truth About Breast Augmentation for a Confident, Empowered You

Deciding to get breast implants with breast augmentation surgery is such a personal journey. At Tannan Plastic Surgery, we believe that education is the foundation of confidence. When you are considering a change, you deserve clarity, not confusion. Social media is filled with influencer stories and sketchy info that is anecdotal if not totally fabricated for views and likes. When it comes to your body, only the facts matter. This is why knowing the difference between breast augmentation myths and facts is vital.

Let’s pull back the curtain together and debunk 14 of the most persistent fallacies surrounding breast implants, so you can make decisions that feel right for you.

Myth: Implants will prevent you from getting mammograms.

Fact: You can absolutely still receive mammograms. When done improperly, breast implants can obscure breast tissue. That is why radiology techs will do routine implant displacement views to allow radiologists to get the clear images they need. Just be sure to inform the technician of your implants before your scan.

Myth: Saline is “safer” than Silicone.

Fact: Both saline and silicone implants are FDA-approved and safe. The difference lies in their feel and the nature of the filling. Silicone is widely preferred because it mimics the natural consistency of breast tissue more closely. Choosing between them is a matter of preference and anatomical needs, not safety. Chat with your board-certified plastic surgeon about your goals to make sure you select the right fit for you.

Myth: Silicone implants are toxic.

Fact: Medical-grade silicone is inert. It does not cause systemic toxicity. Modern cohesive gel implants are designed to hold their shape even if the shell is compromised, preventing leakage into the body. We feed newborn babies with bottles made with silicone nipples. Medical grade silicone in breast implants is safe and nontoxic.

Myth: Breast implants cause breast cancer or autoimmune disease.

Fact: While there has been significant research into Breast Implant Illness (BII) and a rare type of lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), implants are not inherently toxic or carcinogenic. Modern implants are heavily tested and regulated. We prioritize transparency and encourage open discussions about your health history to ensure you are an ideal candidate for surgery. Specific types of texturing cause BIA-ALCL and we encourage you to talk to your surgeon to make sure you are not getting that sort of textured implant.

Myth: Recovery is agonizing.

Fact: While any surgery involves a recovery period, “agonizing” is not the typical experience. With advancements in pain management, surgical techniques, and recovery protocols, most patients find their discomfort is manageable and short-lived. Most are back to their daily routines within a few days to a week. Preserve by Motiva allows our patients to return to regular activities within a week and workouts in 2 weeks!

Myth: Can’t lift weights with implants.

Fact: Once you have fully healed, typically after 4 weeks, you can return to your regular workout regimen, including running, strength training or weightlifting. In fact, many athletes and fitness enthusiasts enjoy the enhanced confidence that breast augmentation brings to their physique. We do have specific recommendations for implants placed under the muscle. For those women (with UTM implants), we strongly advise against doing chest exercises in the future, but there are no restrictions for OTM implants, or implants placed over the muscle.

Myth: Not being able to fly or scuba dive because they might “pop.”

Fact: Your implants are not balloons. They are built to withstand the pressure changes associated with commercial air travel and scuba diving. You are safe to explore the world as you always have.

Myth: You can’t breastfeed with implants.

Fact: For the vast majority of women, breast implants do not interfere with the ability to breastfeed. Depending on the incision placement and surgical technique used, most patients go on to have successful breastfeeding experiences. We highly recommend confirming that your board-certified plastic surgeon is not putting implants that are too big for your foundation, and that they are not putting them in through an incision around the nipple. Following these two recommendations are the top two ways to preserve long-term breastfeeding potential after breast implants.

Myth: Implants have to be replaced every 10 years.

Fact: This is an outdated rule of thumb. Older implants like saline implants are out of warranty at 10 years, and that is why some plastic surgeons recommended replacement before warranty expiration. Your implants are not tires. If you are not experiencing issues and your implants are in good condition, they do not need to be replaced simply because a decade has passed. We recommend routine monitoring with physical exams and breast implant imaging, which can be done in our office.

Myth: Implants will make your breasts look “fake.”

Fact: Modern aesthetic surgery is all about natural harmony. By choosing the right size, shape, and profile to complement your unique frame, we can achieve results that look and feel proportionate, balanced, and most importantly, natural. If you’re not sure, check out our gallery. You will see examples of our work, and people who came in with different goals, different ideal sizes. See if you can visualize yourself with any of those results and if that is what you want. Be sure to bring your goal pics to the consult and show us!

Myth: Breast implants will not feel natural.

Fact: Today’s implants are designed to feel soft and supple. When paired with high-quality surgical placement (such as submuscular or dual-plane placement), the implant integrates with your existing tissue, providing a natural tactile experience.

Myth: Loss of nipple sensation.

Fact: While any breast surgery carries a small risk of temporary or permanent changes in sensation, it is not a guarantee. We take meticulous care to protect nerves during the procedure to minimize this risk. The vast majority of patients report that their sensation remains unchanged. The main risk to nipple sensation comes with implants placed through incisions around the nipple, or oversized implants too large for your breast foundation. We do not routinely do either of those approaches in our practice and recommend an open discussion with your surgeon about this.

Myth: Bigger implants prevent sagging (or help avoid a lift).

Fact: An implant adds volume, but it does not remove excess skin. If you have significant breast ptosis (sagging), an implant alone will not “lift” the breast. In those cases, we often recommend an implant with a mastopexy (breast lift) to achieve the desired perkiness and shape. Share your goals and concerns with your plastic surgeon to understand how this applies to your body.

At the end of the day, your body is your own. Knowing the difference between breast augmentation myths and facts is important! We are here to provide the expertise, support, and guidance you need to navigate this process with confidence.

When you are ready to explore what is possible for you, we are ready to embark on this journey together. (919) 797-0996.