Breast Augmentation: In Style

The pendulum has swung decisively in favor of breast implants in the U.S. Recent scientific studies have vindicated their safety and public opinion has followed. In 1992, plastic surgeons experienced a sharp drop in the number of breast augmentations they performed after the FDA issued a moratorium on silicone implants. At that the time, the government was concerned about reports that silicone implants were causing lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and other auto immune diseases. Since that time, multiple large studies were performed at major academic medical centers. Those studies have yielded consistently favorable data. In 1997, the Institute of Medicine reviewed the data at the request of the US Congress. There findings showed conclusively that there was absolutely no evidence that silicone implants were responsible for any major diseases of the body. Furthermore, they showed that these devices did not increase the risk breast cancer. Since 1997, numerous further studies have only solidified these conclusions thereby reassuring the public that silicone and saline implants are in fact safe.

With this increased confidence in their safety and efficacy, more women underwent breast enhancement in the year 2007 than ever before. Breast Augmentation is now among the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the US. In Miami, Bal Harbour and South Beach it is by far the most popular cosmetic surgery that women undergo.

At first blush one might consider improving breast size, contour or asymmetries as trivial and vain, but the emotional repercussions can be dramatic. The boost in self-confidence that I witness regularly in my patients makes this operation particularly rewarding. Prior to breast surgery, a high percentage of my patients describe feeling a lack of femininity and have an altered body image not unlike mastectomy patients prior to their reconstruction. Women that are severely underdeveloped tend to avoid bathing suits or any social situation that may bring attention to their flat chests. These women are especially grateful after the surgery and they become an important source of happy referrals to our practice.

Once a woman has decided to undergo breast augmentation they are faced with numerous options: silicone vs. saline, smooth surface vs. textured, round shape vs. contoured, under the chest muscle vs. over the chest muscle, surgery in the hospital or surgery an office setting, not to mention the different size implants and manufacturers available, as well as which incision to use and whether or not additional procedures are required (breast lift or release of constrictions etc.) With so many options it can be truly overwhelming!

• Breast Augmentation
• Artistry in Breast Augmentation
• Breast Augmentation: Forming a Beautiful Breast
• Breast Augmentation: After the Operation
• Facts about Breast Augmentation
• Modern Era of Breast Augmentation
• Breast Augmentation / Breast Enlargement
• The Breast Augmentation Surgery
• Recovering from Breast Augmentation Surgery
• Breast Augmentations are In
• Where to do the Breast Augmenation Surgery
• Choosing a Surgeon for Breast Augmentation