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Health
Cosmetic
Surgery
Breast Enhancement
Mammoplasty,
or breast augmentation surgery, is one of the most frequently requested procedures
by women around the world who may want to enhance their appearance, correct
the size or shape of their breasts, "lift" sagging breasts or for reconstruction
after breast cancer
surgery. Some
still think of breast surgery as a "boob job" something that
aspiring exotic dancers do to enhance their careers. Or, as singer Dolly Parton
once observed: "I'm in showbiz. I look at my boobs like they're show horses
or show dogs. You've got to keep them groomed."
But the truth is that most of the people who have breast enhancement
surgery are simply looking for a way to improve their appearance.
It is popular
procedure with mature women who want to recover a more youthful
figure, or for women who opt for breast enhancement surgery to help
regain their pre-pregnancy figure. One
survey found that 65% of the women polled were 35 years of age
or older, married and mothers.
In
the same survey, close to 90% of the women who participated agreed that, "Breast
augmentation is a personal choice that helps women achieve the confidence and
well-being to flourish in other areas of their lives." Joshua
Levine, the CEO of Mentor, the company conducting the survey, stated, "The
survey results confirm what we have known for years: breast augmentation patients
are intelligent, thoughtful women completely capable of making informed decisions."
Today there are many options for women who must improve their bust. Gone are the
days when exercise and "falsies" were the only means to provide a fuller,
youthful bustline.
Each year, worldwide approximately 2 million women have breast
implants which come in several types. Silicone implants were used beginning
in the early 1960's, but were banned in the U.S. in 1992 over concerns about silicone
leakage into the body. The
implant manufacturers have made improvements to the materials and today, the
FDA has approved the use of silicone implants once again as a safe and effective
option. If
you are still nervous about the silicone implants, saline
implants are an
alternative to silicone and, although made up of a silicon shell, are injected
with a saline solution to give a natural feel and shape. Cohesive
gel (gummy bear) is another option widely available around the
world and new undergoing study in the U.S., featuring a gel that has a "memory"
for retaining the implant shape and is soft and supple. Hydrogel
implants, combines saline solution with the added strength of a tear resistant
shell, although they, too, have now been banned in some countries as unsafe due
to apparent leakage. They have never been approved in the U.S.
With all of
these appliances, there is some chance of shifting or leakage. Although
rare, risks
are involved with any breast augmentation surgery, so talk to your
doctor to discuss the risks and benefits before your choose to undergo
the procedure. Your doctor can tell you what to watch for to make
sure that you recognize any problems during he healing process or
afterward.
Make sure that
you have a list
of questions that may concern you when you speak to your plastic
surgeon. Many younger women are concerned with whether they will
be able
to breast feed after having augmentation surgery. Ask all of
your questions before you decide on the surgery to improve the likelihood
that you will have reasonable expectations and be happy with the
results.
More about
breast implants around the Web:
On
the Net, check out additional news and information, pictures and illustrations,
questions to ask your doctor, facts on how the operation is performed, post-operative
care and recuperation, along with the possible risks - and the benefits - of breast
enhancement.... Breast
Implants - Extensive
information on the topic from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration including
a complete consumer handbook, research and studies, photos and illustrations,
possible complications, related links. Imaganis
- Breast Augmentation - Good overview, plus topics to discuss with your
doctor, description of surgical procedures, types of implants, post-operative
care, side effects, and related links and resources. Breast
Augmentation and Breast Implants Information Web - Read other visitors
first-person accounts about their breast implant surgeries, plus information on
costs, links to government studies and related resources, FAQs, photos, and a
Breast
Implants Discussion Forum.
Breast
Implant Consumer Information
- A complete tutorial from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
on the current controversy, including breast implant risks and complications,
related photos.
Breast
Implants - Excellent, illustrated guide from Wikipedia including facts
& information on saline and silicone gel implants, incision types, related
risks and complications plus extensive references and links to further information. Implant
Info Message Boards - Busy discussion boards featuring personal stories,
tips & advice on silicone & saline breast implants. also
see in Health & Diseases -> Breast
Cancer also
see -> Buttock Implants
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This
information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.
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