Twin Peaks - The fuss about breast baring

Womanly breasts have never been out and it's a trend that is here to stay and shows no sign of changing anytime soon. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 191,000 breast augmentations were performed in 1999 in US, which represents an increase of 51%.

Breast shape and size has become akin to a fashion statement. As all eyes around the globe are fixated on who's dress is smaller and tighter than who else's, and how much cleavage can be shown on national television without someone being arrested, breast implants are BIG biz. The images of Minnie Driver's dark plunging necklines, Courtney Love's attempt at Cats or Jennifer Lopez' barely there poison green number are destined to become more famous than their movie roles! The Oscars are becoming the Golden Globes, if only because of the media's obsession with everything mammary.

The model of the moment is the voluptuous Brazilian Gisele who represents every man's ideal of the perfect female body (except perhaps in Brazil where round bottoms and breasts that fit in a champagne glass are prized) - long, lanky but curvaceous in the right places. She's the stuff implant makers dream about, and is sure to do wonders for the industry. The sad truth is that real women just aren't usually built that way naturally, and lean physiques tend to be born without a lot of padding or cushiony body fat north, south or central.

There is no such thing as the ideal implant. Breast augmentation is basically an imperfect operation that tends to have a high rate of success. However, the bigger the implant you choose, the more risk of problems as you get older. Implants basically do what they are designed to do; in about an hour or two, you can have the breasts of your dreams (you can also have the breasts nightmares are made of if the surgery is not done well). The newer implants on the market are getting progressively safer, but you'll still have to do your homework.

WHAT WORKS

Innovative Implant Fillers: the ones to watch

Cohesive Gel - Textured implants made with congealed silicone gel that reduces the change of leakage. (Available in Europe, not in US)

Pre-filled Saline - Saline implants that come already filled to size (biggest selling implant in France).

Spectrum™ - Saline implant with a valve left in place for 6 months so that the volume of saline can be adjusted.

Did someone say Breasts by Laser?
Manhattan Plastic Sugeon Z. Paul Lorenc,MD is using a diode laser in the cutting mode to make the pocket where he places the implant using an endoscope under the armpit. One advantage is less bleeding. This could be the wavelength of the future...

WHAT DOESN'T

Don't waste your money on bust enhancing creams or supplements that make promises of enlarged breast size. If you want perkier breasts, the choices are surgery or a great bra. They don't call it a 'wonder bra' for nothing, girls....

As amazing as it may sound to take fat from your butt and transplant it to your cleavage, it simply hasn't been proven conclusively to be medically safe or sound to do so

FAQ's about BOOBS

Where is the incision placed?
Either around the nipple, under the breast, or under the armpit

What are the advantages of round implants vs. anatomical shapes?
The anatomical shaped implants are designed to look more like a natural breast, but they are harder to place exactly right

Will I lose nipple sensation?
There is always that possibility, but rarely

Will I be able to breastfeed?
Implants usually don't interfere with lactating, but check it out with your surgeon to be safe

Does the operation hurt?
If the implant is placed under the muscle, you will usually have more pain postop, but it only lasts 2 - 48 hours. The breasts will be sore and tender after surgery, swollen and look high until they settle down.

What can be done if the implants are too high or uneven?
The scars can be opened and the implants can be exchanged or repositioned