Myths About Chest Operations

There are a number of myths about chest operations that have spread and many take it for granted without being it. Likewise, there are popular beliefs that are true. For all this, it is necessary to examine the validity of the most frequent statements about this type of surgery.

Today, there are many myths about chest operations. Perhaps this is because breast surgeries are some of the most practiced in the world today. This also leads to some exceptional cases becoming a benchmark, without actually being one.

The cosmetic surgeries that can be performed on the breasts are very varied. They include augmentation, reduction, elevation, and reconstruction, among others. Not because they are aesthetic they cease to have clinical importance, but, in many cases, this is exaggerated and gives rise to many myths.

The truth is that science has advanced a lot in this type of surgery. Today, they can be carried out in a safe way, as long as they are practiced by the right personnel and under the right conditions. Therefore, it is important to dispel those myths about chest operations that circulate daily.

Chest operations

Most often, chest operations are performed to achieve a more symmetrical figure. The second most common reason is reconstruction, after having suffered the loss of one or both breasts, or because the bust has had changes due to breastfeeding, age or weight loss.

This surgical procedure can be carried out in a number of ways. One of the most frequent is the introduction of an implant through the lower edge of the areola. Much more common is the entry of the implant through the armpit crease or through the lower crease of the breast. Sometimes it is also carried out through the belly button.

The prostheses used are bags containing silicone or an adhesive gel. Implants made through the belly button contain a saline solution. This type of surgery is outpatient and rarely causes complications.

Main myths about chest operations

Although it is a safe procedure that is currently performed on a regular basis, there are still many myths about chest operations. Some of the most widespread are the following :

• This surgery affects the sensitivity of the breasts: this is totally false. Sensitivity in the breasts is caused by the intercostal nerves, which enter the mammary gland from the back. Loss of sensation would only occur if any nerves were injured during surgery.

• There may be rejection of implants: this is also totally false. Implants are totally neutral and, therefore, do not generate this type of reaction in the body. Sometimes what occurs is a contracture around the implant, which is not a rejection. It occurs in 2-3% of cases.

Other unsubstantiated myths

Although the aforementioned are the most widespread myths about chest operations, they are not the only ones. These are other wrong beliefs :

• Implants prevent breastfeeding : it is false. Breast surgery does not touch the mammary gland and therefore does not affect breastfeeding in any way.
• Prostheses can cause cancer : it is also false. Even women with implants develop cancer less often, since the nodules are more detectable in them.
• Prostheses are harmful to health: there is no study, nor evidence, that this is so. That is why it is considered false.
• Saline implants are better than silicone implants : not true. The doctor is the one who determines which of the two to use, according to each specific case.

Truths that are not myths

Just as there are myths about chest operations, there are also widespread beliefs that have something or a lot of truth. These are the main ones:

• The larger the implant, the greater the risk of complications : this is true in many cases. Large implants have a greater potential to generate capsular contracture or skin folds.
• The prostheses are noticeable : just slightly, but they are noticeable; especially, they are palpated.
• The appearance of the chest changes over time : it is true on many occasions. If the implant is very large, it can stretch the skin and make the breast appear saggy.
• These surgeries require a more frequent consultation with the doctor: it is true. It is important to do at least one annual consultation to verify that the implant remains intact.