Breast enhancement: separating fact from fiction

Contrary to popular myth, no silicon breast implant has ever exploded under pressure on an aeroplane, during scuba diving or in particularly cold weather. But is breast surgery a completely risk-free procedure?

From enhancing a small cup size to restoring shape post-breastfeeding, breast enhancement or breast augmentation surgery is becoming increasingly accepted and affordable. In 2005, breast augmentation was the most popular UK surgery, according to research by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. So it's about time we dispelled some common myths associated with breast surgery.

Do implants cause breast cancer?

Rumours that implants can lead to breast cancer have no supporting evidence. Consultant plastic surgeon and a founder member of mybreast, Mr Patrick Mallucci, says: 'The silicon controversy has largely been put to bed. In 1998, an independent government review group looked for evidence and found that there was no association between silicon and breast cancer or any other disease.'

Does breast augmentation prevent breastfeeding?

Any woman able to breastfeed before implant surgery should be able to do so afterwards. But occasionally, surgery can affect the nerves around the nipple and the sensations that trigger the brain into producing milk hormones. Mallucci adds: 'There is no good reason why you shouldn't breastfeed. There is no contra-indication with implants. They sit behind the gland so shouldn't affect feeding.'

For many women, like Jenny West, 45, breast augmentation can rescue tired breasts post-breastfeeding. 'When I breastfed my daughter my bra size went from a 32B to a 42DD. After I stopped and lost my baby weight, my breasts didn't look right - they drooped and looked flat and saggy.'

Will I lose sensitivity and feeling in my nipples?

In most cases, surgery should not change the nipples but they can become numb or over-sensitive for a while. Jenny West says: 'My nipples are perfectly fine. Both react to cold and warm temperatures and they feel the same as before.'