Category: Health

Breast Enhancers

Breast enhancement entails the use of different techniques and methods to artificially enhance the size of the breast. The allure of well-proportioned breasts and generous cleavage is a not just a male fixation. Breast enhancement is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures chosen by women. The motivation for breast enlargement varies for different individuals, while the ultimate goal remains fairly similar. Whether it is for a well-clothed look, a scintillating silhouette or a zing to self esteem, modern breast enlargement techniques offer cheaper, safer and faster options to satisfy customers.

The breast has one real function, feeding newborn babies. Going by this logic, the size of the breast is irrelevant as long as it performs this basic function. However, in most known societies and cultures, breasts lend themselves to the beauty of the female silhouette, and more often than not, a large size is considered more attractive. The desire for well-formed breasts is as strong as the craving for a well-maintained body or a beautiful face. Women often face the problem of loss of elasticity and firmness after childbirth or due to aging. Breast enhancement offers respite to such individuals.

Breast enhancement is sometimes coupled with breast reconstruction surgery for patients who have undergone mastectomy, or for those who have severely asymmetrical breasts due to certain defects or congenital diseases.

There are several methods of breast enlargement. Breast implants and surgery offer instantaneous gratification. Any surgical method for breast enhancement should be done by an expert surgeon. It is essential to explore, investigate and educate oneself about the pros and cons of surgery, type of implant, the surgeon, and to ascertain if one really needs to undergo surgery. There are many herbal and non-surgical methods, like exercise, pills, creams etc, for breast augmentation. All the methods need to be researched thoroughly for any possible side or adverse effects and for their claimed effectiveness. Going in for breast enhancement is a personal decision that has to be made in an educated and informed manner.

Breast Enhancement

Breast enhancement, or augmentation mamoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery performed to enhance the size and shape of breasts. The chief objective in doing so is to increase the person’s sex appeal.

Breast enhancement has been in the center of controversy for three decades. It is supposed to be a risky procedure, causing certain disorders in the anatomy of the person, and the debate is whether it is prudent to gamble with health for the sake of obtaining that elusive hourglass figure. That notwithstanding, it is the second-most common prosthetic procedure, and in the year 2003 itself there had been 280,401 breast implants in the US alone.

Though the debate over breast implants is a fairly contemporary phenomenon, the surgery itself is not that modern. Historical evidences show that Japanese women used to inject silicones directly into their breasts during the World War II.

Before the discovery of silicone as an implant material, other materials such as paraffin were used for breast implants. Thomas Cronin and Frank Gerow, two plastic surgeons from Houston, were the first to develop silicone as a transplant material with the Dow Corning Corporation in 1961 and the first transplant was done on a woman in 1962.

One of the chief objections in this cosmetic prosthesis is the use of silicone gel, which has been restricted as an implant material by the Food and Drug Administration in the US. Breast implants have been suspected of causing autoimmune disease, however there is no documentation to validate this fact. Known hazards of breast augmentation are asymmetry, visibility, palpability, rupture, deflation, infection, scarring, and hardening of the capsule of the implant.

The strongest objection against breast implants comes from feminist groups who view it as a subjugation of women to men to pander to their sexual desires. It is not unknown of starlets and media women who undergo such surgeries to boost their careers; and in the process, giving vent to the allocution that it is a man’s world.

Breast Enhancement Surgery

Breast enhancement surgery includes breast augmentation and breast implants. A few advantages of enhancement surgery are proven and predictable results. The surgery is one of the most expensive methods for breast enhancement and enlargement. The surgery generally consists of a surgical implantation of sacs filled with saline under the breast tissue.

Currently, all women undergoing the surgery receive saline filled implants consisting of a silicone shell filled with saltwater. A small incision is needed for this surgery. The incision can be made either within the armpit, underneath the breast or at the lower edge of the areola (pigmented skin surrounding the nipple).

The incision usually measures less than one inch. A pocket is then created either directly behind the breast tissue or under the pectoral muscle, which is located between the chest wall and breast tissue. Patients who decide to have breast enhancement surgery have the risk of asymmetry, visibility, palpability, rupture, deflation, infection and scarring.

Other materials used for enhancement surgery are silicone shells filled with silicone gel. Silicone shells are currently not available in America because the FDA is conducting trials on a new type of silicone gel that is believed to decrease the instances of leakage.

String Implants are a much less common type of implants, but they can help achieve the largest size of breasts possible. String implants continue to grow after surgery. Adult entertainers mostly favor this kind of surgery.

A new form of implant is in progress called the Tissue Engineered Implant. This type of implant works on the principle that cells are taken from the body of the patient and are then combined with the proper scaffold material to prepare the Tissue Engineered Breast Implants. There are no risks of leakage or rupture in this process. Also, the size of the implants remains stable.

Breast Cancer Statistics

As the awareness of breast cancer increases, so does the availability of information on the disease to the general public. There has been much research done on the disease, which includes the statistics on its prevalence and survival rates. Below is an enumeration of these statistics.

Recent figures

Breast cancer has been proven to be the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women today. It is also the most common form of cancer among women. This trend is expected to continue. Studies conducted by the World Health Organization estimate that for 2006, there will be 1.2 million women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Studies have also shown that a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer during her lifetime is about 1 out of 7 or 13.4 percent. However, breast cancer is not restricted to women. Studies also estimate that thousands of men will be diagnosed with the disease.

With regard to death rates, it is estimated that the chance that breast cancer will be the cause for a woman’s death is about 1 in 33, or 3 percent. In recent years, the incidence of breast cancer death has declined. Doctors attribute these declines to early detection and new treatments.

Figures also show that the chance of having the disease increases with age. By the age of 30, the chance of having the disease is 1 out of 2,212. For women over the age of 80, the chance increases to 1 out of 8. However, the survival rates are less for younger women because they tend to have more aggressive forms of cancer. It has also been proven that white, Hawaiian and African-American women have the highest incidence of breast cancer as opposed to their Asian counterparts who have some of the lowest incidence rates.

Studies also show that early detection increases the survival rate by as much as 96 percent, especially for those women who detect breast cancer in its first stage. However, the survival rates for patients who have had the disease decreases after five years.

These figures tell us a number of things. One of these is that the key to surviving breast cancer is early detection. Another important thing is that women need to be aware of the risks that they face and that they should take preventive measures to mitigate the effects of this dreaded disease.

Breast Cancer Awareness

In recent years, the incidence of breast cancer among women has increased. As a result of this, organizations that aim to raise breast cancer awareness have doubled their efforts to give women around the world the right information to help them prevent and deal with this disease. These organizations teach women to detect early signs of cancer and recognize the symptoms of the disease. It has been proven that early detection increases a woman’s chance of survival by as much as 96 percent.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms that women are told to watch out for include lumps, which are usually firm and painless. Other possible symptoms include swelling on the underarms and on the skin on the breasts which then develops an unusual appearance. Women are also asked to look out for veins that become prominent in the breast area. Other symptoms also include inverting of the nipples, rashes and changes in skin texture, depressions on the breast area and discharges other than breast milk.

Early Detection Plan

However, looking out for symptoms is usually not enough in detecting this disease, since there are instances in which patients are asymptomatic until the cancer reaches stage 3 or 4. To be able to prevent this, breast cancer organizations encourage women to come up with an early detection plan, which includes clinical breast examinations every three years for women aged 20 to 39, then every year thereafter. A monthly breast examination for women beginning at age 20 is also encouraged. Mammograms every two years for women in their 40s and yearly mammograms for women in their 50s are also being emphasized. Women are also told to keep a record of these exams and their appointments with their doctors. Additionally, women are urged to eat a low-fat diet, engage in regular exercise and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

The importance of early detection of breast cancer cannot be denied since it has been proven to increase a cancer patient’s survival rate by as much as 96 percent. Given this, it is then important for women to do what they can to prevent having to suffer unnecessarily from this disease. Having an early detection plan is an effective way of doing just that.

Breast Augmentation

Ever since breast augmentation surgery became popular in the 1960s, women have improved their bodies and their self -esteem with silicone and saline implants. Breast augmentation is a trendy cosmetic surgical practice. Women hope the results of breast augmentation will seem and feel natural.

One must keep in mind that breast augmentation can only be done when a woman’s breasts have completely developed. The candidate must be emotionally and physically mature and recognize her own reasons for choosing this course of action. Practical expectations are also significant and one must be willing to understand that the results may not be quite what she expected.

Breast augmentation is considered valuable by many women as it helps them recover their self-image. People undergo breast augmentation for different reasons. For instance, there are women who go for breast augmentation because they are concerned that their breasts are too small, while a lot of women have the surgery to restore their natural breast size, which may changed as a result of pregnancy, weight loss, or age.

Different types of implants are available. These may be enclosed within an even silicone or a textured facade. The type of implant used depends on the woman’s personal needs, the surgeon’s preferences, as well as the size and shape of the implants. Based upon the patient’s needs, the surgeon may select a round or contoured insert. And, of course, the bigger the cup size, the larger the breast implant will be.

Breast augmentation does not necessarily mean a one-time surgery. There may be need for supplementary surgical procedures and treatments. Surgeon visits over the course of the woman’s life may be essential. Breast implants also may not be lifetime inserts. There are possibilities that a woman will need to have the implants removed, and there may not be options to have further implants put in.

Breast Augmentation FAQs

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure done to increase the size and shape of a woman’s breasts by placing a saline filled implant with a silicone shell under the breast.

What are the reasons why women opt for breast augmentation?

In most cases, women wish to undergo a breast augmentation procedure when they feel their current breast size is too small or disproportionate to their body size. In some instances the breasts may be unevenly developed and breast augmentation procedure is preferred to rectify the problems. Women, who find that their breast size has shrunken after pregnancies, also wish to restore their breast size through breast augmentation. Also, those women who have undergone a mastectomy often choose to have breast augmentation.

What are the benefits of breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation makes the breasts larger and fuller. The results may not look exactly like natural larger breasts. The breasts tend to be a bit rounder and less saggy than natural breasts of the same size.

What is the minimum age requirement to have a breast augmentation?

A woman must be at least 18 years of age to undergo breast augmentation.

How much cost will be incurred for breast augmentation?

The cost of breast augmentation may vary depending on several factors. This may include the place where the surgery is performed, the fees of the plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist and what style and type of implants are used.

Is breast augmentation painful?

The intensity and duration of pain vary with individuals. After the procedure, most women feel tired and sore for a few days. Usually women are able to return to normal activity in three to four days without much pain.

How long does the procedure take?

It takes approximately 1-2 hours for a routine breast augmentation procedure. The duration of the procedure differs according to the technique used, the placement of the implants and the type of anesthesia used.

Is there a higher risk for cancer in women with implants?

No evidence is available to substantiate that breast implants are associated with a higher cancer rate.

Breast Augmentation Doctors

If you are considering breast augmentation, it is important to find an experienced, board certified doctor. Breast augmentation surgery involves certain risks and uncertainties that only a board certified plastic surgeon that is adequately trained and has proven knowledge can handle. Those preferring to undergo breast augmentation should ideally consult a surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).

A good breast augmentation doctor will assess your health and ascertain which surgical techniques are the best for you. Most breast augmentation surgeons will also discuss possible options regarding plastic surgery, as well as the risks and limitations of the procedure. If the breasts are sagging, the doctor may recommend a breast lift. During the consultation, reputed breast augmentation doctors provide before and after pictures of previous patients. You can always consult other patients of the doctor to ascertain his or her expertise.

The issues discussed during the initial consultation should include guidelines on eating and drinking before surgery, the cost of the surgery, the kind of facility the surgery will be performed in, the type of anesthesia that will be used during surgery, recovery procedures and possible side effects and complications. Prior to the surgery, the doctors should be aware of the medications, vitamins and drugs a patient is taking. It is very important that women who smoke tell their doctors, since smoking could possibly delay the healing process and cause added complications. Most breast augmentation doctors will also recommend a baseline mammogram before undergoing surgery.

Breast augmentation physicians will help a patient decide what the best method of inserting and positioning the implants will be. Once the surgery is over, the physician should provide e advice regarding when to start exercises and normal activities.

Breast Augmentation Before And After

Before deciding upon breast augmentation surgery one must choose a qualified surgeon for better odds of successful surgery. Prior to consultation, one should find a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Tests performed by the surgeon should include ones that assess the existing tissue to conclude if there is an adequate amount to cover the breast implant.

After surgery, incisions are stitched, taped and the breasts are covered and supported by a gauze dressing. Patients are fitted with a surgical bra that provides support for a number of weeks. After surgery, the common symptoms are exhaustion, pain, and discomfort. However these after effects can be reduced considerably though administration of oral medicines. Inflammation slowly subsides and becomes un-noticeable in about a month’s time. Stitches are removed within seven to ten days.

For weeks after the surgery, the breasts will be exceptionally sensitive. Physical contact should be avoided until sensitivity subsides. The rehabilitation process takes about three to four weeks. Breasts will continue to be swollen for approximately four to five weeks. Post surgery, activities such as a working out, lifting heavy items and anything strenuous should be avoided for about a month. Breast augmentation scars will be rigid and pink in color for roughly six weeks. Subsequently, scars may appear to widen but will start to fade within a few months, though they will never completely disappear.

There are risks that could come from breast implants. For one, an implant may make it difficult to perform a mammography, or even get in the way of detecting breast cancer during a mammogram. Post-surgery, one may develop Capsular contracture, better known as build-up of scar tissue around the implant. This causes excessive and unnatural breast firmness. If it is of an extreme nature, one may require corrective surgery. An excessively large breast implant may cause problems after surgery as well: it may be more affected by gravity and consequently trigger an earlier droop.

Deflation of an implant is mostly harmless. However, it may carry the danger of additional surgical treatment for a substitution. Breast augmentation infection is rare and can be easily treated with antibiotics. Despite it once being thought of as a risk, multiple studies have consistently failed to demonstrate that women with breast implants have a higher rate of breast cancer. In fact, two major studies have shown a lower than expected rate of disease in women with implants.

Breast Augmentation 101

Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breast through breast implants. Women choose breast augmentation for various reasons: when the breast size is too small, to balance a variation in breast size, to restructure breasts that have lost their shape from breast-feeding or aging and as a reconstructive procedure following breast surgery. Breast augmentation will increase the size of a woman’s breasts, but it will not perfect them.

Most procedures are performed in an outpatient setting under general anesthesia. By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to enhance a woman’s bust line by one or more bra cup sizes. Earlier, silicone gel-filled implants were used for breast augmentation. Because of the complications using silicone, surgeons today usually make use of saline, a saltwater solution. In 1992, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) imposed a ban on the general use of silicone gel-filled breast implants. The new saline implants are a safe substitute.

The surgical incisions are made in the crease of the breast where the breast meets the chest, beneath the areola, or in the armpit. An implant insertion behind the breast tissue or under the chest wall muscle will push the breast tissue forward, making the breast appear larger and fuller. Most physicians prefer placing the implants under the chest muscle. This is because the muscle provides an additional layer of padding to provide a more natural look, and minimizes the probability of scar tissue formation around the implant. A small scar will be present after the surgery, even though most plastic surgeons try to make the incision in an area that will lessen the visibility of the scar.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the number of women undergoing breast augmentation is increasing at a rapid pace. Over the last couple of years, breast augmentation surgery has advanced in terms of safety and effectiveness.