Breast Augmentation 101

By Danielle Grilli

According to a study performed by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 364,610 breast augmentation procedures were performed in the United States in 2005 alone. This represents a nine percent increase from 2004's stellar numbers.

Used to increase, correct, or reconstruct the breast for cosmetic or post-operative purposes, there are many options available when considering breast augmentation. The first decision is the type of implant: Silicone or saline? Second is incision. To date, there are four common incision points to choose from. The final consideration is the placement of the implant: where is it going to be put within the breast? Because every person's needs and desires are different, the plastic surgeon will generally advise the patient on the optimal augmentation procedure.

There has been some controversy over the choice between saline and silicone implants. Saline implants are considered the safest and most popular choice to date, representing 83.4 percent of implants in 2005 and carrying FDA approval since May of 2000. On the other hand, silicone implants, approved by the FDA in November of 2006 after a 14 year ban arising from links between silicone implants and auto-immune illnesses, are considered more natural looking.
According to infoplasticsurgery.com, a website dedicated to educating the public on plastic surgery procedures, silicone implants are virtually indiscernible from breast tissue, creating an effect that looks and feels more natural than saline. Furthermore, unlike saline, silicone is dense so the risk of 'rippling,' the unattractive wrinkling of skin over the implant, is unlikely.

Of course there are downsides to silicone implants. Unlike saline, silicone implants may rupture, causing a "capsular contracture," or thick scar, around the implant. Also, since silicone implants are pre-filled prior to insertion, they necessitate a 6-8 cm incision whereas saline implants require only a 3-5 cm incision. Finally, silicone implants are more expensive. According to infoplasticsurgery.com, a patient should expect to pay between $5000-6500 for a saline implant. Silicone costs approximately $6000-8000. The type of incision is also an important factor. To date, there are 4 different types of incisions. The most popular incision, called an Inframammary augmentation, is made on the lower portion of the breast, near the crease where the breast meets the chest, so that any scar will be covered. Another common incision, called a Periareolar augmentation, is made on the edge of the areola, where the dark area around the nipple meets the skin. This incision is usually a semi-circle around the lower part of the areola.
The third type of incision, called a Transaxillary or Axillary incision, is made in the armpit, and the fourth method, called a Transumbilical or Umbilical augmentation, involves inserting the implant through the belly button. Given the difficulty and potential for complication, this fourth method is not frequently used.

Positioning of the implant is either sub-glandular or sub-muscular. Whereas sub-glandular insertion places the implant beneath the breast tissue, but above the muscles, a sub-muscular placement sets the implant partially beneath the pectoral muscles. There are positives and negatives to both options. Situating the implant sub-muscularly costs more, requires more anesthetic and healing time, but it is also the most suitable option for women who have very small breasts. Furthermore, because a sub-muscular placement interferes less with mammograms, it is also the best choice for individuals with a history of breast cancer.

Though it's an outpatient procedure which takes only 1 to 2 hours to complete, breast augmentation surgery does require significant downtime. Side effects such as swelling, discoloration, fatigue and discomfort should be expected. Most patients will not be able to shower or work for several days and exercise should be avoided for about a month. As a rule, it is important for individuals with breast implants to have regular checkups and mammograms.

For women who are simply looking for perkier, firmer breasts with or without an implant, the breastlift or mastopexy is a good option. This surgical procedure raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin, lifting the breast and relocating the nipple. Not unlike breast implant procedures, a mastoplexy does leave scars which are usually obscured by a bathing suit. Furthermore, having a breast lift won't keep you firm forever; pregnancy, aging, and fluctuations in weight are likely to effect just how long the results will last.

As the evolution of breast augmentation continues, more and more advances begin to surface.
Although modern silicone and saline implants are the only options available today, there are other implants which are currently being researched. Among these are "gummy bear" implants and Elast-Eon implants, neither of which has yet to be FDA approved. Whereas gummy bear implants, constructed of a firmer, more cohesive silicone gel, are purported to be the silicone implant of the future, Elast-Eon is made of a bio-material which promises to be safer than silicone.

For more information on breast augmentation, please visit your plastic surgeon.

Danielle Grilli is a poet and visual artist. Her work has been published in a variety of journals and webzines including Breast Augmentation that can be read in full in http://www.body-philosophy.net

Breast Reduction Cost - What Does Each Option Cost Me?

By Jasmine Dawkins

Many women wish to have their breasts reduced in order to look better or prevent back and neck pain or injury. The main problem with breast reduction is the cost which can be substantial. A lot of women decide against having their breasts reduced simply because they can't affored it or just believe that they can't afford it. But the truth is that breast reduction doesn't have to be that expensive. It all depends on which treatment option you go for.

The two mainstream breast reduction treatments available today are breast reduction surgery and breast reduction pills. But what is the difference in cost between the two?

1. Breast Reduction Surgery - Surgery is very expensive. Don't expect to find anyone who is willing to do this surgery for less than 4,000$. And that's a minimum. If you do find a doctor who is willing to do it for less, run for the hills. It's very suspicious that any doctor would be willing to work for that little money and I would be very suspicious. The cost of breast reduction surgery is determined by the level of expertise of the surgeon you choose and of his clinic. The better the surgeon, the higher the cost. It can easily climb up to 7,000$ and even more. It is often better to pay more to get someone good. Remember, the surgeon is going to work on your breasts with a knife and you want to have the best treatment available.

2. Breast Reduction Pills - Pills cost a lot less than surgery. The cost of this treatment depends on the length of time in which you will need to take these pills. Usually, you will need 3-6 months in order to reach the best results. It depends on how big a reduction you need. A 6 months supply of pills will cost you 300-450$, not including shipping costs. Many women have found breast reduction pills to be very effective. The major downside to this treatment is that it's a gradual process and not a one time procedure like surgery.

I hope that this short review has helped you decide which treatment options is best for you. I wish you luck with whichever treatment you choose.

To discover more on breast reduction, click here: Breast Reduction Do's and Don'ts. Jasmine Dawkins has extensive experience in the natural treatment field. To read her review of Breast Reduction options, click here: Breast Reduction Options Review.

Breast Cancer - Prevent With Healthy Living

By Michael Russell

Generally speaking, breast cancer can be explained as an abnormal growth or a mass of cells, also known as a tumor, anywhere within the breast or immediate surrounding area. Usually the breast tumor is felt to be a lumpy mass during the early stages of breast cancer. If a woman feels a lump or abnormality of the breast of any kind, she should see a doctor immediately. In many cases, there is no cause for alarm, but because breast cancer can be a killer, medical attention is highly recommended.

When breast cancer is detected early, it can be treated quickly and effectively - usually with excellent results. Quick treatment is essential because all breast tumors start off benign initially. If the tumor has not begun to grow abnormally and is removed during the benign stage, the cancer may not spread. If the cancer does not spread, the woman is able to lead a normal, cancer-free life from that point on.

As with most cancers, the exact cause of breast cancer has not been pinpointed. However, there are many risk factors applied to many women. There are many arguments that breast cancer is hereditary, so if there is a history of the cancer in a woman’s family, she should see a doctor regularly for preventative measures. While heredity may play a role, life choices do as well. For instance, women who smoke cigarettes and consume alcohol regularly are at a higher risk for breast cancer than those who do not. Additionally, obese women that do not engage in regular physical activity are at an elevated risk for breast cancer.

It has been found, however, that altering the levels of hormones in the body can lead to different forms of cancer, breast cancer included. Many women take drugs and supplements that have estrogen as a main ingredient. These medications are used to increase sexual drive, assist in lactation, or deal with menopause. There are studies currently underway to help determine the influence of increased levels of estrogen on the development of breast cancer.

Despite the exact causes of breast cancer being unknown, there are many resources explaining and suggesting how a woman might prevent it. While much of this literature is purely speculation, there are precautions all women can take including maintaining a healthy body weight. Because overweight women have a higher chance of developing breast cancer, it is a good idea to lose the fat. Also, regular visits to the doctor are recommended. However, one of the best ways a woman can monitor her breast health is by conducting the at-home exam once a month.

In addition to regular doctor visits and maintaining a healthy body weight, a healthy diet and plenty of exercise can also influence the onset, or not, of many types of cancers. Foods that contain nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants essential to preventing breast cancer include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and legumes. Other good foods are any type of citrus, tomatoes and soy products. A diet low in carbohydrates may also be helpful.

Combining the healthy diet with regular exercise, a positive attitude and an overall healthy lifestyle may dramatically reduce a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer. By no means are these suggestions the only answer, but should be followed as part of an overall attempt at living as healthy as possible.

Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Breast Cancer