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.'

Can silicon implants rupture?

Modern implants should remain intact and rupturing or leaking is uncommon. 'Implant design has changed over time,' explains Mallucci. 'Today, rupturing is very rare as implants are more solid. Even if they tear, the silicon is like jelly and doesn't go anywhere. Sometimes silent ruptures occur - ones we never know exist.'

Breast implants can look unnatural

Gravity defying, 'Page 3' breasts are the bosom implants stereotype of the past. Many women step up just two bra sizes. 'Natural size is dependent on a woman's figure - on height, chest width, shoulder width and build,' says Mallucci. 'The skill is tailoring size to the individual. British women tend to be more conservative than US women and tend to go for smaller breast implants.'

Jenny West's natural-looking implants have fooled past boyfriends. She says: 'I've been in a relationship where the man has not even noticed my implants. My surgeon came highly recommended and he ensured that I had teardrop-shaped breasts. I didn't want the 'jellyfish' effect, like Pamela Anderson.'

Will I have scars on my breasts after surgery?

'Scars never completely disappear, but they do fade,' explains Mallucci. 'They start purple and red but become paler, softer and flatter. In rare cases, bad scarring called keloid scarring, can occur, which can't be identified before surgery. But I haven't seen one case of this in the last eight years.'

Jenny had few side effects after surgery. 'I was lucky. I never had any pain. The recovery was really quick and I felt fine straightaway. There was scarring initially but it faded a year after surgery and has now completely gone. Because my new breasts are a natural shape and the incision was under the breasts, any initial scars were hidden. It's all down to my brilliant surgeon.'

Do implants need changing every ten years?

In the past, implants were given a ten-year life span, meaning patients were likely to need replacement surgery. But improved quality of implants means they should now last two or three times longer, according to mybreast.

'As I have got older, they have drooped very slightly, but that's in line with my age and at the same rate as they would have done before the surgery,' says Jenny West. 'I want them to reflect my age.'

In less than one in ten cases, implants can harden when the fibrous layer over the implant hardens. If this happens, they will have to be replaced and the hard tissue removed.

Thinking about breast surgery?

Having breast surgery is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Jenny spent years researching and finding the best surgeon to get the results she wanted.

'It changed my life,' she admits. 'The implants helped me get through difficult times by making me feel confident. I used to wear a padded bra with 'chicken fillets' and I wouldn't undress in front of anyone I liked. They make me feel womanly and sexy. It was something that I had always wanted. Think about it carefully and do it for yourself, not your partner or anyone else.'

For more information on breast augmentation surgery by top UK consultant surgeons, visit www.mybreast.org