1. Silicone implants are not safe

Silicone gel-filled breast implants are one of the most studied medical devices; their safety and effectiveness have been researched for decades in both the United States and Europe. Silicone is considered one of the more bio-compatible materials.

In Australia, silicone gel-filled implants are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and have been registered on the Australian Registry of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) since 2000. They are also approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

2. Breast implants feel unnaturally hard

While breast implants may sometimes not be as supple as natural breasts, nine out of 10 women are very satisfied with the results.

Sometimes the body creates scar tissue around implanted foreign material, making it feel harder than other tissue. With breast augmentation this is called capsular contracture. Many surgeons use polyurethane foam-coated implants, as their surface can reduce this problem.

3. Implants can cause breast cancer and other diseases

There is no medical evidence to show that women with breast implants have a higher chance of developing breast cancer or auto-immune diseases.

4. Women with implants can't breastfeed

There is no medical evidence to show that breast implants interfere with breast-feeding, and women with breast implants do not risk exposing their breastfed children to excessive amounts of silicone.

The ability to breastfeed successfully varies in all women with or without breast implants.

5. Implants make it difficult to detect breast cancer

It is recommended that all women regularly self-examine their breasts for lumps and changes and have an annual examination by a doctor.

Mammography is more difficult for women with breast implants, but is well practiced by radiologists. Patients should inform radiologists of breast implants prior to examination.

6. Breast augmentation is a painful surgery that requires a lot of time off work and performing physical activities

Every patient will tolerate pain in a different way. This is taken into account by surgeons, who prescribe appropriate pain medication before, during and after surgery.

The length of recovery time also differs from patient to patient, although most breast augmentation patients are mobile and able to care for themselves within two days after surgery. Most are able to return to work within five to seven days. Patients are encouraged to commence a slow walking routine two days after surgery in order to limit swelling, and are advised to avoid vigorous exercise for two weeks.

7. Breast augmentation scars are obvious

Breast implants are inserted through small incisions made either in the crease under the breast, under the arm, around the nipple or through the naval.

The surgeon will recommend the most appropriate incision type and placement for each patient in order to minimise visible scarring and maximise outcomes.

8. Everyone can tell when a woman has breast implants

The term ‘breast augmentation' was once synonymous with large, obviously-fake breasts that were often disproportionate to the patient's build. In recent times, breast augmentation trends have increasingly favoured natural-looking enlargements that balance a woman's figure.

It is important to choose an experienced surgeon who will not only consider a patient's desires, but take into account her height, weight and natural breast size and shape. Choosing an appropriate implant and positioning it correctly are key to achieving a natural-looking result.

9. Implants make the breasts sag earlier

Breasts sag due to gravity, weight and the elastin and collagen structure of the skin - all factors governed by the ageing process. A natural breast of the same size and weight will sag just as fast as an implant. It is important to wear a good quality supportive and well-fitted bra and to not assume that breast implants make a bra unnecessary.

10. Breast implants need to be replaced regularly

Breast implants have a limited lifespan and may have to be removed or replaced at some stage. The time that it takes for a breast implant to reach the end of its lifespan varies, but many of them last up to and beyond 25 years.