Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery is the most widely known breast enhancement surgery, which involves placing a saline or silicone-filled breast implant inside the breast to increase size and improve shape. There are various placement options for breast implants–submuscular, subglandular, and others.

If you are dissatisfied with the size of your breasts, or simply want a curvier, fuller figure, breast augmentation with either saline or silicone breast implants may be the option for you. Both types of breast implants have been approved for use by the FDA. Though older types of silicone implants were once considered unsafe, newer silicone implants have been approved and used for years.

Take the time to review some photos online from a breast augmentation results gallery to see the results other women with your body type and breast size have achieved. Use the photos to visualize yourself after surgery to help you decide if breast augmentation surgery is right for you.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Another type of breast enhancement is breast lift surgery, which restores a youthful, perkier shape to breasts that have begun to sag as a result of pregnancy or gravity alone. By itself or in combination with breast augmentation surgery, breast lifts have helped thousands of women regain the figure they used to have.

Breast lift surgery can be an attractive option, especially for older women who worry about the safety of getting breast implants. In fact, breast lift surgery can make the breasts appear larger without implants, especially for women with sagging breasts.

For either breast augmentation or breast lift surgery, choosing the right plastic surgeon for you is very important. Be sure to select someone qualified and experienced in performing whatever procedure you choose. You may even choose to have your breast enhancement procedure in a sunny vacation destination like Phoenix, Arizona.

“My patients have been asking about this for a long time,” says Dr. Bill Johnson, Medical Director of Innovations Medical. “And now, it’s reality. We can remove unwanted fat from a mid-section or thighs and use it for breast augmentation. It’s easier and healthier than most other breast augmentation procedures, and the results are remarkable.”

Clinically, the process is called autologous fat transfer, or natural breast augmentation. Advanced liposuction technology has been coupled with new fat grafting procedures to allow physicians to remove and then relocate the fat tissue within a matter of hours. The patient is awake during the procedure and can have it completed in one morning or one afternoon.

“Many women haven’t been satisfied with their implants, or just don’t like the idea of a man-made substance inside their body,” says Dr. Johnson, “for them, fat transfer is the answer.” Besides using the body’s own tissue, fat transfer requires smaller incisions, less anesthesia and the recovery is typically much quicker. For women who have had both procedures, the comparison is stark. Most of them say fat transfer offers a more natural feel, no worry of leakage and no concerns over an auto-immune reaction to the chemical implant. In addition, fat transfer is usually cheaper than implant surgery.

“But not all women are suitable fat transfer candidates,” warns Dr. Johnson. “She has to have enough excess fat, be healthy with a series of completely normal mammographies. We don’t want to complicate any existing conditions.”

“Breast Fat Transfer” is still a relatively unknown procedure, making up only approximately 5% of overall domestic breast augmentations. As the procedure’s popularity expands, however, that number could quickly grow.

Because breast implants are measured in cc (cubic centimeter) units, it is difficult for many women to determine which size they need to achieve an A, B, C, or D cup. Further, a 350 cc implant in one woman may result in a small C cup while the same implant placed in another woman may result in a full C or small D cup. That is why it is so important to consult a qualified plastic surgeon that can guide you in choosing the implant that is right for you…

Read more via Breast Implant Size Ranges – Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Phillip Chang, MD ( plastic surgeon in Loudoun and Fairfax Virginia )

Breast Augmentation, also known as Breast Enlargement, is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by Dr. Chang. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Breast Augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States in 2008. Many patients decide to have a breast augmentation prior to having children. But the majority of patients decide to have a breast augmentation after having children as part of a Mommy Makeover Procedure to restore and rejuvenate their breasts. Due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, a woman’s breasts lose volume and roundness, the stretch on their skin leads to drooping, and the nipple-areola complex may become larger. Post-childbirth women often want to return their breasts to what they might have looked like before having children.

The Keller Funnel is a cone-shaped device designed to help surgeons place a pre-filled silicone breast implant into the breast pocket through an incision as small as three centimeters (cm). The cone is lined with a hydrophilic polymer coating, a special lubricant that — when moistened — makes the funnel so slippery that an implant can be placed without ever being touched by human hands. Dr. Chang cites at least three reasons do have a breast augmentation using a Keller Funnel Device:

1. Minimize the length of the scar;
2. Minimize the trauma of putting the implant into the surgical pocket;
3. Minimize the amount of bacterial contamination.

The benefit of minimizing the length of the scar is self-evident. To take a patient with an A-cup breast to a C-cup breast used to make a scar of at least seven- to-nine cm in length. The silicone breast implant can now be placed through a Keller Funnel with just a five cm incision. The benefit of decreasing the trauma of breast implant placement is also self-evident. Researchers have determined that the most common cause of implant rupture, even 10 years after the breast implant surgery, was trauma to the implant at the time of rupture. The effort of placing the implant with Keller Funnel is only a fraction of what is traditionally necessary. Finally, by delivering the breast implant through the Keller Funnel, the implant never touches the patient’s skin. Additionally, the implant is never touched by the surgeon or nurse — even wearing surgical gloves in a sterile environment — which reduces the risk of infection and capsular contracture.

Dr. Chang has performed the Keller Funnel procedure on dozens of patients. He states that his patients often compare surgical scars with their girlfriends who have also had Breast Augmentations, and universally, they say that they have the smaller incisions. Before and After Pictures of Breast Implant Procedures can be seen at Dr. Chang’s website at http://www.gotobeauty.com/breast-augmentation-before-after.php

Big breast implants are the subject of much controversy and debate in America. There are many reasons you may want to choose big breast implants, but you will want to consider seriously all of the possible ways they may impact your life.

For this discussion, we are referring to big breast implants as those implants that will increase your breast size to a D cup or larger. The most popular breast implant size increases a breast size to a C cup in breast augmentation. Women are, however, reportedly choosing D cups or larger in increasing numbers.

Is a D cup breast size or larger right for you?

While the average sized breast implant is approximately 350cc in volume, breast implants are made in sizes much larger such as 700cc, 850cc, 1000cc breast implants and larger. As a general note, implant sizes greater than 550cc will usually result in breast sizes greater than a D cup. The actual breast implant size you will need to achieve your desired size depends much on your body type.

Big breast implants have been popularized by celebrity women who are actors, entertainers, and models. For these women the motivation for choice in breast implant size may be quite different from your own. A celebrity may benefit from a larger breast size for many reasons:

* Being on stage or on a movie screen, the breasts of a celebrity will not necessarily appear as large or appealing as they would up close and in real life. Bigger breasts will tend to stand out on the screen and gain attention.

* Bigger breasts will spark controversy. Celebrities like Selma Hayek, Angela Jennings, Jodie Marsh have gained significant notoriety and public attention in part due to the size of their breasts, regardless of whether or not they have had breast augmentation.

* Big breasts may be the difference on whether or not an actor, entertainer, or model gets the desired role or job that they are seeking.

If you are not in such a profession, your motivation for big breast implants may be completely different. For you, the choice may be more related to your own aesthetic sense regarding your breast size as it relates to your body type. Or perhaps you may have always dreamed of having big, voluptuous breast and want to take advantage of modern breast augmentation procedures. Take caution in being too inspired by celebrity breast sizes as they might be perfect for their profession, but may not necessarily be desirable to you in everyday life.

Large Breast Size Considerations

If you are considering big breast implants, some of the things you will want to consider include:

* Attention. Big breasts get attention not only from your family, friends, co-workers, but from the public in general. Surprisingly soon after you get your breast implants, people will tend to forget that you have breast implants and simply accept them as your own breasts. If you are comfortable with attention to your new breast size, big breast implants may be right for you.

* Clothing. The type and style of your fashions will change. Ideal apparel for big breasts is significantly different from that designed for smaller breasts. Your choices in bras will become somewhat limited as well, especially if you choose a breast size of DD or larger.

* Your Body. Bigger breasts will impact your body. Women with larger breasts sometimes report back problems resulting from the weight of their breasts.. Your breast tissue and skin will also stretch so that if you desire to reduce your breast size later, the new breast implant procedure wil be more difficult and will likely result in scarring. Additionally, the weight of a big breast implant can may cause the entire breast to sag under the weight of the breast implant.

* Breast implant profile. If the base diameter of your breast is narrower than your desired breast implant it can impact your arm movement. Choosing a higher profile big breast implant may be necessary in this case.

* Subsequent Surgery. The most common reason women require subsequent operations is to change their breast implant size. However, doctors often say it is usually to increase the breast size.

Try On Large Breast Size Before Surgery

You should try on larger breast implant sizes before you undergo the surgery. A major change in your body may have some unexpected and undesired results which could prove to be disappointing to you after breast augmentation. For example, Real Housewives star, Tamra Barney, opted to reduce her breast implant size from a D cup to C cup after she received unwanted public attention to her breasts.

By test driving big breast implants before your breast augmentation you may prevent such an issue. The Purlz Breast Sizing System allows you to wear big breast implant sizers, while still looking and feeling natural. By your own experience you may decide whether or not big breast implants are right for you.

Some women have reported that they have worn the system out in a shopping mall on a weekend, just to see how they feel about themselves with big breast implants. Others have worn them throughout the day and evening, even sleeping with them on to see how they feel. If they like the feeling and the new attention to their breasts it gives them confidence to opt for bigger breast implants than a C cup.

Before you decide on big breast implants you will need to meet with your plastic surgeon to decide how they will be a possibility for you given your body type. Consider thoroughly how your desire for big breasts will change throughout your life. If after wearing the breast sizing system and talking with your doctor you still prefer a D cup or larger, big breast implants may be right for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ned_James

According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), nearly 400,000 breast implant operations were performed in the USA during 2007, a rise of 4% on the previous year.

In the UK, data from BAAPS, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons shows that the appetite for a full bosom is just as strong here as in America, with just under 6,500 breast augmentation operations performed by its members in 2007, up 6% on the 2006 audit; making it the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the UK, and accounting for 20% of all cosmetic surgery operations carried out by BAAPS members.

Add to that data from The Harley Medical Group, one of the UK’s largest cosmetic surgery chains, who have seen the demand for breast enlargement rise by 39% in the last 25 years, and who note that it accounted for 30% of all procedures performed in its clinics in the last 12 months, and it shows the obvious popularity of this procedure.

Industry analysts Mintel also put the UK spend on breast augmentation in 2005 at £100million with expectations that this will rise dramatically year on year.

With such a strong demand, it’s no surprise to discover that both new developments in implant technology and alternative techniques and procedures for breast augmentation have dominated research by many aesthetic companies in recent years.

In this month’s feature article we look at some of the new ways companies are offering to give you the bust you always dreamed of.

A Brief History of Breast Augmentation

There are many reasons why women choose to seek a breast augmentation or enhancement procedure. Whether for reasons of self confidence and dissatisfaction with the size and shape of their breasts, or because of congenital abnormalities from birth, asymmetry, trauma, such as post cancer mastectomies, or simply to regain the breasts that they feel they had before childbirth and breast feeding. Breasts denote a feeling of womanliness and therefore hold great psychological power over the female mind. Hence, methods of breast enlargement have been dabbled with, sometimes with the most dubious of substances, from the early 1930s onwards.

The first breast implants were developed by two plastic surgeons from Texas, Frank Gerow and Thomas Cronin, in the early 1960s. These were filled with silicone and signalled the beginning of the breast implant revolution as we know it. Saline implants filled with a salt water solution were introduced in 1965.

In the early 1990s, breast implants became the subject of heated controversy as reports of women claiming their silicone implants had seriously damaged their health became widely publicised in the American media. This, and a handful of court cases, caused the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue an outright ban on the use of silicone-gel filled implants for cosmetic augmentation in January 1992. At the time many claimed that this was politically and socially motivated rather than based on any scientific proof; and following the submission of large scale clinical data from the various manufacturers involved, the ban was subsequently lifted in 2006. Due to the 14 year gap, saline implants dominated the market in the U.S., whilst with no such ban existing or ever having existed in the U.K. silicone implants have always been the favoured option. Although with the more natural shape and feel achievable with silicone filled devices and the advancements in their make-up during the interim period, many U.S. surgeons are now starting to turn away from saline since the lifting of the FDA ban, with ASAPS statistics showing a move to a 60 – 40 split of saline versus silicone procedures last year, up from an 80 – 20 split in 2006.

Traditional taboos regarding breast augmentation have also fallen by the wayside in recent years, with more and more woman in their thirties, wanting a natural outcome with a modest increase in breast size, following pregnancy and childbirth turning up in the surgeon’s waiting room. Breast implants are no longer simply the choice of the glamour model, lap dancer or celebrity copying teenager. Implant manufacturers themselves have also noticed a growing trend in the demand for smaller implant sizes and more natural, anatomical shapes which are preferred by this demographic.

So What’s Involved in Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Aside from the type of implant to be used, the primary consideration involved in a breast augmentation operation is deciding if the implant should sit above or below the pectoral or chest muscle within the breast area.

If the implantation is carried out above the muscle, but below the glandular breast tissue, this is referred to as ’sub glandular’. Conversely, an implant placed below or underneath the muscle is referred to as ’sub muscular’. In both cases, an incision is generally made either below the base of the breast, in the natural crease created there by gravity, or within the armpit area adjacent to the breast. A pocket is then created by separating out the various tissues, into which the implant can be safely and correctly fitted without causing any ’squashing’ of the implant due to an inadequate sized pocket.

The decision regarding the most appropriate method and implant type to use on an individual patient is often reliant on the structure of the chest area prior to surgery, with considerations such as how much natural breast tissue is already available and the integrity of it, as well as the BMI of the patient all factoring into the decision making process for the surgeon.

Mr Rajiv Grover, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Secretary of the BAAPS and medical advisor to The Consulting Room(TM) comments on a recently pioneered technique which he believes has revolutionised his practice.

“The American surgeon John Tebbetts introduced the concept of the ‘Dual Plane’ which differs in placing the implant below the muscle but also separating the gland from the muscle so the two can slide on each other. This allows a woman who is thin and has a minor degree of droop to have breast enlargement, but also the implant can give the nipple a lift without needing a specific uplift which would leave scars on the breast.”

“Most surgeons who perform a lot of this operation would probably agree that you need to place the implant where it would look most natural for each patient. I use 65-70% under muscle (usually with dual plane) and 30-35% above muscle (sub glandular)”; concludes Rajiv.

Other, more controversial techniques have been tried in recent years, including the placement of saline implants in the breast area (prior to filling) following an incision in the umbilicus or belly button area, aimed at avoiding any scarring in the breast area. Dissecting the pocket for the implant from this access point is considered to be very inaccurate and creating the finer nuances of symmetry and breast cleavage is not as controllable so many surgeons regard this as more of a marketing gimmick rather than a tried and tested technique for breast augmentation.

Breast augmentation is primarily performed under a general anesthesia in a hospital setting, although some offer a ‘twilight sedation’ method involving the use of a local anesthesia and a sedative, so you remain awake throughout the procedure, but in a drowsy state with no feelings of pain or discomfort. If there is no facility for an overnight stay at the clinic where the surgery is being carried out, such ambulatory or out-patient practices may be more commonplace, especially in America. Most surgeons would argue that the use of a full general anesthesia gives them maximum control and safety and would generally recommend this as the best option for their patients. Certainly this is the preferred option in the UK.

Surgery to enlarge or enhance the breasts isn’t something to be taken lightly, and carries as many risks as would be associated with other types of surgery, both from the anesthesia and the possibilities of scarring or post-surgical infections.

A condition known as ‘capsular contracture’ is one of the most common risks or complications following breast implant surgery. This happens because, if a foreign body, such as an implant, is introduced into the chest, your body will automatically grow a wall of ’scar tissue’ around it as a protective process against the ‘alien invader’. This scar tissue can then contract, pushing into the implant and causing it to deform. Often, the implant becomes hard and, in some cases, painful. The implant may then have to be removed, along with the capsule of scar tissue and replaced, if appropriate, with another implant.

Recent changes in implant design with the introduction of textured implants (implants that have a roughened surface as opposed to a smooth one) and cohesive silicone gel which does not leak or bleed from the implant have reduced the likelihood of capsular contracture from an estimated 15% of all cases, 10 years post surgery, to a rate of more like 4 – 5 %.

New Advances in Implant Technology

According to Millennium Research Group’s Global Markets for Breast Implants 2008 report, the U.S. breast implant market was worth over $378 million in 2007 and is expected to grow by at least 10% a year to over $620 million in 2012, driven in large part by the FDA re-approval of silicone breast implants.

The two market leading, global manufacturers of silicone and saline breast implants are Mentor Corporation and Allergan Inc., (having previously bought out Inamed Inc. in 2006); although several other smaller manufacturers exist, such as Nagor, Poly Implant Prosthesis, Eurosilicone and Polytech Silimed.

All of Allergan’s and Mentor’s silicone gel implants are now made from an outer silicone shell and an inner cohesive silicone gel filling, which means that the gel filler acts as a solid, rather than a liquid, and cannot leak, whilst still retaining a natural feel that is said to better resemble actual breast tissue. This advancement in silicone technology has yet further increased the safety rating of silicone implants, compared to earlier more liquid developments.

In America, such cohesive silicone gel implants have been nicknamed ‘gummy bear’ implants due to the comparison of the consistency of the implant, if you were to cut one in half, with that of the children’s jelly sweets.

Rajiv Grover believes the most revolutionary advancement in implant technology to arrive in recent years is the introduction of the ‘tear drop’ shaped implant, which allows a more natural look for women who have a thin chest, particularly after breast feeding.

The move away from the typical spherical or round shaped implant to more anatomically contoured developments, which are thinner at the top than at the bottom, thus mimicking the effect gravity has on normal breast tissue, has meant that surgeons are now able to offer their patients a result which is more aesthetically pleasing; looking less like a person has actually had breast implant surgery.

Such contoured or ‘tear drop’ implants are available in a variety of shapes according to two differing parameters, known as implant height and implant profile or projection. The height refers to the size and shape of the implant footprint, i.e. the section that sits against the chest itself once implanted. This choice will vary according to how wide or narrow the patient’s chest is. The profile or projection refers to how far outwards the ‘drop’ on the tear comes away from the chest, as a natural breast would. The actual cup size or volume can then be decided on once the anatomical shape has been established.

Another recent advancement in implant technology is the adjustable implant designed to correct the problem of asymmetry or ‘lop-sided breasts’, where one breast is either significantly smaller than the other, sometimes by as much as one cup size, or where one sits higher than the other on the chest. Asymmetry can arise due to congenital defects that a person was born with, or acquired through trauma or childbirth and breastfeeding. Such problems can cause self consciousness and low self image, which can dramatically impact on lifestyle and relationships.

Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Mr. David Ross, who heads Plastic Surgery W1 in Central London, says: ”There is no doubt that breast asymmetry can have a profound effect on many women’s quality of life. For these women it is important to correct this, which is why they opt for surgery.”

According to a recent UK survey of 2,500 women carried out by Mentor Medical Systems, a third of those polled were not happy with the shape of their breasts, with 15% only being happy once they had added some form of padding to the area. 1 in 10 respondents also claimed a whole cup size difference between their breasts, while a third said one sits lower than the other.

Mentor has now developed their unique Spectra® range to address the problem of moderate asymmetry. Their round implant is designed on the principle of a bag-within-a-bag, whereby an outer textured silicone casing holds an adjustable inner chamber which is filled with a saline solution via a self-sealing valve system and tubing. This enables the surgeon to alter the volume of each implant individually during the operation until the desired level of symmetry is obtained, at which point the tubing is removed.

This system differs from a traditional single shell saline implant as the outer silicone casing comes in a variety of densities with a differing size inner vessel for saline inclusion. This gives the implants more of the natural breast mimicking qualities of cohesive silicone gel implants but with the added adjustability created by the addition of saline within to correct any asymmetries.

Alternative Solutions for Breast Augmentation

Fat Transfer

The potential use of fatty tissue for breast augmentation has been talked about for years, both within the medical field and amongst the layperson. Most women out there will admit to having thought at one time or another, “wouldn’t it be great if only I could move the fat in my bottom up to my breasts instead”.

Previously, although some surgeons have tried to graft liposuctioned fat from the thighs, buttocks or abdomen into the breast region, transplantation has been far from successful with results remaining only temporarily as the fat is ultimately absorbed by the body. Additional more serious complications, such as fat calcification or hardening of the injected fat cells, which cause benign lumps within the breasts, have also been reported. Such lumps create both worry and confusion during routine mammogram checks for breast cancer tumours.

Further studies evaluating the safety, efficacy, technique and appropriate patient selection for this type of procedure are ongoing in American funded by the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation.

Meanwhile, Cytori Therapeutics Inc. has developed the Cellution(TM) System designed to automate the extraction and isolation of stem and regenerative cells from liposuctioned fat, ready for reinjection into a patient.

Adipose or fat is one of the body’s richest and most accessible sources of regenerative cells. Adipose-derived regenerative cells include adult stem cells in addition to other important cell types that have been shown to improve tissue retention compared to non- ‘cell enhanced’ tissue transfers. For this reason, Cytori believe that these cells potentially may improve fat transfer procedures, as well as enable more predictable outcomes and retention when applied to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

The system is currently undergoing substantial clinical trials both in Japan and in Europe to examine the effect of adult stem and regenerative cells derived from adipose tissue in breast augmentation. In the studies, a patient’s breast is augmented with her own liposuctioned fat, which has been combined and enhanced with her own fat-derived stem and regenerative cells. The results and volume retention will then be evaluated at regular intervals by independent evaluators.

Current studies are focusing on breast reconstruction applications, such as following partial mastectomy, however if proven successful the technology will no doubt be commercialised as an alternative to traditional breast implant operations.

Hyaluronic Acid

In March this year, we reported on the introduction of Q-Med’s Non-Animal Stabilised Hyaluronic Acid (NASHA) technology in its new Macrolane(TM) VRF product being used for volume enhancements including breast augmentation.

Macrolane(TM) VRF is currently indicated and CE approved for ‘volume restoration and shaping of body surfaces’, for example, shaping of the breasts, calves and buttocks and also for evening out discrepancies in skin surface such as those sometimes caused by liposuction.

Although the use of Macrolane(TM) in the breast is currently available under the ‘body shaping’ indication, and can achieve approximately a one to one and a half cup size increase in most women, ongoing research is being conducted to further evaluate the efficacy of its use in this area and to establish the best techniques and protocols for the procedure.

Treatment involves a small 2-3mm incision in the crease under each breast, and the injection of the substance (100ml per breast) using a thin cannula or large gauge spinal needle deep into the subcutaneous skin layer above the muscle, under local anaesthetic. The product is placed underneath the breast tissue, much like an implant, so does not threaten the functioning of the breast in the event of future breast feeding.

Initial patient feedback is very positive, with many noting that they are unable to feel anything significantly different in their treated breasts from how their own natural breasts felt; this is particularly noted in those patients where only one breast is treated for asymmetry, giving an immediate split-body comparison. Additionally the free movement of the breast to create a natural cleavage and to fit correctly in underwear is said to be unaffected, areas which are often dramatically altered with the addition of traditional breast implants.

According to Q-Med, Macrolane(TM) is intended to last for 12-18 months in the body, depending on the amount of volume used, although it recommends that each individual treatment programme includes a yearly top-up, as required, to maintain the optimal results, and that potentially over time this top-up may reduce in quantity. It will be some time however before long term data on the average duration is properly known.

With costs for treatment starting in the region of £2,800, with top-up treatments of £1,400, this could prove to be more costly than traditional breast augmentation in the long term. However, the more temporary and less invasive nature of the procedure may well appeal to a wider audience than surgical options.

Mechanical Stimulation

The use of sustained mechanical force to promote tissue growth in the breasts, and hence cause the breasts to enlarge, has been touted as a new method to achieve a modest ½ to 1 cup size improvement in breast size for a number of years now.

The Breast Enhancement and Shaping System, marketed under the brand name Brava®, is much like wearing a very large bra which is fitted with two silicone domes and a motor and worn by the patient for a minimum of ten weeks, for ten hours a day, (usually at night). The principle of the procedure is that the breasts are gently stretched by the motor in the bra which causes them to expand during the night.

While some doctors have reported promising results with this technique, others claim widespread failure to achieve satisfactory results. Consequently, patients have often been disappointed with this treatment.

However, one study carried out in Europe and published in November 2007, reported that the majority of women who completed a trial using the Brava System increased their breast size by an average of 155cc, or well over one full breast cup size, (range: 95cc to 300cc).

Of the 40 women (aged 17 – 53 years old) who completed the study, the average participant used the system for 11 hours per day for an average of 18½ weeks (range: 14 to 52 weeks).

Overall, 75% were said to be either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their results. However, 12.5% were reported to be disappointed because of little growth, which the investigators put down to lesser intensity of wear of the device and low body mass individuals. Over 85% stated that they would “recommend it to a friend”, although 12.5% who had acknowledged enlargement of their breasts considered the treatment too bothersome. All of the surveyed participants indicated that “the treatment was painless.”

All 40 women were evaluated at an interval averaging 10 months after discontinuation of treatment (range: 7 to 20 months). It was shown that not only did they maintain their breast volume growth, but sustained it long after the stabilisation phase.

The investigators concluded that to avoid disappointment and early discontinuation with the device, women should be well informed about the time and lifestyle commitment required.

The manufacturers of the Brava System hailed this as a significant clinical result since previous published medical studies had demonstrated an average breast size increase of 100cc, or one-cup size, when wearing the Brava System for 10 weeks. Although one could argue that the chances of it producing a more pronounced result after more prolonged wear were highly likely in the first instance.

The cost of Brava systems start from approximately $1,300 (£650).

Summary

With more and more women simply not prepared to sit back and do nothing about breasts that bother them and cause them to be self-conscious, and with an increase in the social acceptance of breast augmentation, fuelled somewhat by media coverage and celebrity stories, it is no wonder that this is now the number one global cosmetic surgery procedure.

Yet, as the development of the non-surgical marketplace has shown us, better and long lasting results for facial rejuvenation and body contouring can be achieved with more minimally invasive techniques than was previously thought, so this theory has extended into the realms of breast enhancement. This area of exploration can only continue to grow at an exponential rate.

Women would all love a quick fix; to wake up one morning with the perfect breasts. Some may see this as a shallow desire, but there’s no getting away from the fact that breasts are the number one feature that define a woman, both on a sexual level and on a more natural level, as the giver of food and nutrition for our offspring, so it is no wonder that a woman can feel less than whole when she doesn’t have the breasts that she feels she should have or once had.

Surgery is however a big step to take, both financially and due to the risks involved, so as more and more companies look to ways to develop less invasive alternatives, more and more women will be queuing up to give them a try.

As experience with these technologies evolves you can be sure that we will be here to update you with the facts as they emerge.

Bibliography

The Brava External Tissue Expander: Is Breast Enlargement without Surgery a Reality? Schlenz, Ingrid M.D.; Kaider, Alexandra M.Sc. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 120(6):1680-1689, November 2007.

Copyright © 2008 The Consulting Room.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lorna_Jackson

Rachel’s timing is perfect – Dr. Roger Bassin is now performing NaturalFill™ Breast Enhancement, a new technique that uses a woman’s own fat to enlarge the breasts without the surgery , side effects and potential complications of undergoing breast implant surgery. The new process uses an advanced fat “harvesting” and transfer technique that can help smooth irregularities, improve contour, and add volume to the breasts. Because the fat harvesting method used is so gentle, the fat cells are undamaged and able to survive long-term after transfer, becoming a natural part of the breasts. NaturalFill™ enhancement results in breasts that look and feel softer and smoother than is possible with implants

How NaturalFill™ Breast Enhancement works:
Intact fat cells are gently flushed from the body from targeted areas using the AquaLipo™ process developed by Dr. Bassin then are immediately injected into selected areas of the breast. Since the fat harvesting method is so gentle, the fat cells are left intact and there is no need to wait for a centrifuge process in order to prepare the fat for transfer, as was previously required, to “purify” the cells. NaturalFill™ is done with just local anesthesia, with the patient fully awake.

Dr. Bassin says that he has brought Rachel from having A+ cups to C- cups. Another patient, a 28 year-old woman recently had NaturalFill™ Breast Enhancement, and Dr. Bassin increased her breast size up one and a half cups, from A+ to C.

Dr. Bassin says there are four reasons for patients to consider NaturalFill™ Breast Enhancement:

1. For a natural-looking enlargement of one to two cup sizes.
2. Restoration of the breasts’ shape, appearance and size closer to what they were before pregnancy.
3. NaturalFill™ is also performed to correct embarrassing size discrepancies.
4. Restoration of breast contours following surgical lumpectomy procedures.

“Patients are extremely pleased that their breasts look and feel 100% natural,” says Dr. Bassin. “Using the body’s own fat allows us to help a woman obtain a perfectly proportioned figure, using what nature has provided.”

The link below shows Dr. Bassin’s segment on Fox News:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/local/021910bigger-breast-without-knives-and-pain

Visit www.aqualipo.com

Read full story via Celebrity Cosmetic Surgery: An Internal Bra for Breast Lifts?.