Cosmetic Surgeon Debunks Top 3 Breast Implant Myths

Breast Implants

Dr. Rouchdi Rifai, a board certified cosmetic surgeon, sheds light on common misconceptions associated with breast implants.

Myth #1: Silicone implants are more dangerous than saline implants.

For 14 years, the FDA restricted the use of silicone implants. In November 2006, that restriction was lifted when the FDA concluded that silicone implants were not associated with any underlying diseases, making them equally as safe as saline.

Myth #2: Breast implants cause cancer.

Having saline or silicone breast implants does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer nor do they prevent you from having mammograms. All that is required is that you inform the technologist that you have breast implants prior to the test. Screening for breast cancer including monthly self breast exams, mammograms, and annual physical examinations by your health care provider are recommended.

Myth #3: Implants have to be redone every ten years.

The belief that breast implants need to be replaced every ten years is false. The most common reason that an implant would need to be replaced would be if the patient experienced a rupture or deflation.

"The simple fact is that breast implants today, saline or silicone, are safe, do not cause cancer, and may never need to be changed," says Dr. Rouchdi Rifai, surgeon from Birmingham Cosmetic Surgery.