Breast Enhancement Pills Could Still be a Health Risk

For the thousands of women who want to achieve a more attractive silhouette with larger breasts, breast implants are a viable solution. Both silicone and saline implants are among the most sought-after cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States, but even though they are immensely popular, they are not without their risks.

Some companies offer an alternative solution to surgery with skin tightening procedures that help to contour and ‘plump up’ the breast tissues, and breast enhancement pills that promise to enlarge the breasts within a few weeks.  Unfortunately, breast enhancement pills are still considered to be a scam, and are not really an effective alternative to surgery.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued several warnings about the effectiveness of breast augmentation pills, creams and other products that are readily available over the counter. Their official statement reads as follows: “There is no device or system of exercise that will increase the size of the breasts. At best, devices promoted as breast developers merely strengthen and develop the muscles that support the breasts, and exercising these muscles will not appreciably increase breast size.” (Source: FDA.gov)

Ultimately, breast enhancement pills have been deemed to be scams and ineffective products that promote false promises. These pills promise to ‘enlarge breasts permanently without surgery’ and are usually made with ingredients such as guggulsterones, theobromine and green tea extract that directly affect the thyroid hormones and supposedly trigger growth of the breasts. These are all herbal products that have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA, and there is limited information available on the safety and effectiveness of these pills in the short-term and long-term. The makers of these products to provide some information about potential risks. People who are taking high blood pressure medication or other herbal products are warned not to take these supplements.

Still, many people continue to purchase these over-the-counter products in hopes of achieving bigger, more attractive-looking breasts without surgery. The FDA and several other medical organizations have warned that these products are just fads and may cause several health problems.

Survey Says 25% of Women Have Considered Cosmetic Surgery

Before cosmetic and plastic surgery hit the mainstream market in the United States, body-transformation procedures were reserved for those who had experienced a major accident, or for those that had been injured severely by a violent crime or other incident. Today, cosmetic surgery has become a vanity procedure for many, an opportunity to defy nature and create an ‘ideal’ silhouette.

According to a recent survey conducted by The Associated Press, almost half the women in the United States have a negative attitude towards their bodies, and are not happy with their weight. Almost 25% of these women were open to having cosmetic surgery to fix their flaws and improve their appearance. The most coveted procedures were tummy tucks, breast augmentation and liposuction.

The survey showed that in many cases, women were looking for a quick-fix solution for their weight and figure problems, and would rather go under the knife than commit to a lifetime of exercise and healthy eating in order to achieve their ideal figure. Many patients who do undergo plastic or cosmetic surgery report that the expense and pain were well worth it; they would rather go through a pricey and painful procedure instead of making major lifestyle changes. (Source: RealSelf.com)

Plastic and cosmetic surgeons are well-aware of these startling trends, and understand that many women’s goals for surgery are based on media ideals and social pressures. All surgeons are required to conduct an in-person consultation with the prospective candidate to determine if the woman has a healthy perception about her body, and is expecting realistic results. If they think the woman has been misinformed about what the procedure entails, or has unrealistic expectations about the procedure, the surgeon has the right to turn down the request for surgery.

Still, many surgeons fuel the trend for surgery by promoting how ‘safe’ and simple many procedures are, and in some cases, encourage women to get more done than they intended. Ultimately, it is up to the patient to decide if they will truly be satisfied with their change in appearance and if going under the knife really is worth it.

IDEAL Implant an Alternative to Silicone Breast Implants

Both saline and silicone breast implants continue to be some of the most sought-after procedures in cosmetic surgery, and are fueling the trends in ‘mommy makeovers’ and procedures that allow women to transform their upper body and create a more attractive silhouette. Many doctors prefer to use either saline or silicone based on the type of results the patient is looking for, and how much risk they are willing to take.

The IDEAL implant has recently been released for clinical trials to offer another option for women interested in breast augmentation.

The IDEAL Implant is a saline-filled implant that promises a much more natural result than silicone gel because it is designed as a series of implant shells that are nested together.

This creates the sponge-like, cushioned appearance of the natural breast tissue, and limits the ‘bouncing’ effect that is common with traditional saline implants. IDEAL implants are also designed to conform to the chest wall, so they look like they are real when the woman is wearing a bikini or other clothing that shows off a good portion of her chest.

Saline implants account for approximately 60 percent of all breast augmentation procedures, and do offer several benefits over silicone gel. The  IDEAL Implant is designed to produce similar results as silicone gel without the risks; the implants have a low risk of rupturing, and the makers of the implant say there are very few long-term side effects.

IDEAL Implants are being rolled out only in select markets. Plastic surgeons in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles and the Orange County area will be enrolled in the first round of clinical trials, and 500 women will be selected as test subjects. This initial trial will provide enough data to present to the FDA for approval.

Women who are interested in becoming a test subject can enroll for the trial by visiting www.idealimplant.com, and setting up a consultation with a plastic surgeon in their area.

Demand for Breast Implants Continues Despite Economy

Even though many Americans are cutting back on luxury expenses such as cosmetic surgery during the recession, demand for procedures continues to remain strong.  With beach season right around the corner, women in particular are still turning to plastic surgery to give their looks a boost, and demand for breast implants is still strong.

According to the American Society for Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation is still most-performed surgical procedure in the United States; more women are turning to silicone implants in recent years because of the myriad of benefits and low risk of puncture.  Even though silicone implants cost between $1,000 to $1,200 more than saline implants, most patients feel comfortable with paying the difference because of the natural-looking results of saline, and fewer risks involved.

But how are they paying the price for beauty in this economy?  More plastic surgeons are offering flexible payment plans and financing options for patients interested in investing in a pricey procedure. Companies like CareCredit offer several different patient financing options, and doctors have the option to choose various packages for their patients.  Some doctors are also offering their own ‘layaway’ plans or other incentives to get more patients in the door this season.

The average cost of silicone implants is about $6,500 – $8,000+ depending on the doctor, location of the surgery center, and general fees.  Saline implants can cost between $5,000 – $6,000+ depending on the doctor and surgery center.  Breast implant procedures can be paid for with a personal loan, patient financing, or even credit cards.

Breast implants, liposuction and Botox injections are among the most sought-after procedures in the United States, and even though fewer people are heading to the doctor’s office this year, most are still investing in these key procedures in order to improve their looks.

(Source: ABCLocal.com)

Natrelle Offers Breast Implant Trials

Deciding to get breast implants can take time, and may involve several consultations with different doctors to make sure you are comfortable with the procedure, and know what to expect.

One of the most common challenges women experience when choosing breast implants is selecting the right size; most women choose at least a cup size or above for breast enhancement, but a  computer-generated image of the expected results may not be realistic. Allergan, the company that makes Botox and other cosmetic surgery treatments, has recently introduced a pre-consultation breast augmentation kit that lets women ‘try’ breast implants before they even go to the doctor’s office.

The Natrelle Pre-Consultation Kit is designed to educate patients about breast implants, and includes a sizing bra, and a set of implants that they can wear under their clothes so they know exactly what they will look like with bigger breasts. The Natrelle kit also contains educational DVDs that explain how to use the sizing guide and special bra that comes with the kit, and provides some basic information on what to expect from the implant procedure.

In a recent press release, Dr. Elizabeth Kinsley, a plastic surgeon from Covington, Louisiana, states that the Natrelle Pre-Consultation Kit is a valuable tool for the public.  “The Natrelle® Pre-Consultation Kit is simply a tool to prepare women for the consultation and the surgery itself, providing reassurance and answering many of the questions they may have,” says Dr. Kinsley.

Each kit contains sample implants and a profile bra, and educational videos so that the prospective patient can try different breast sizes from the comfort of their own home.

The Natrelle Breast Implant Kit is now available from Natrelle.com for $39.95, plus $5 shipping and handling.  Buyers of the kit can also get over $170 in rebates for Natrelle and other products made by Allergan, including Juvederm, Botox and Latisse.

Survey Says 80% of Breast Implants are for C-Cups

A survey published in the March/April issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal suggests that more than 80% of breast implants performed for only cosmetic surgery purposes, are for a C-cup, or a 300 to 400cc size.

Many women who undergo breast augmentation choose at least one or two cups larger than their natural size to ensure that the outcome appears natural.

Choosing the right size is essential for creating the right look and silhouette, and is one the most important decisions made during the procedure selection process.

Surgeons who want to create a natural look typically use saline implants because these are easy to implement, and have fewer risks than silicone implants. According to Dr. Rod Rohrich and Dr. Edward Reece who recently led a study on the types of materials plastic surgeons prefer to use, 60% of surgeons use saline implants, and the majority prefer to use saline for first-time patients. Results of the survey were recently revealed to members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and results indicate that saline is still the favored choice, regardless of the low risk of having the implant ‘burst’ or migrate to another part of the body.

Other important considerations when selecting breast implants is the texture of the surface, and the shape of the implant.  Many doctors offer both smooth and textured surfaces as an option for patients, since the textured surface typically creates a more natural look, while smoother surfaces create an artificial appearance.

Different types of patients have different needs; for example, models may prefer a smoother implant because these look better on camera and will maintain their round shape.  Textured implants may be more appropriate for women who just want to enhance their figure and balance out their silhouette.

Whatever the case may be, studies suggest more women are interested in increasing their breast size to a C-cup, regardless of the type and shape of implant that is used.

Experts Warn Against Silicone Procedures for Quick Fix Procedures

If you’ve been looking for discount services for breast implants, buttock lifts and other procedures that involve the insertion of silicone implants, you may have come across the opportunity to get silicone injections instead.

New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has issued a statement that says its concerned about the use of illegal silicone injections as a replacement for pricier cosmetic surgery. New York City’s poison control center has received numerous reports from doctors who are treating patients with silicone injections as an alternative to silicone implants.

Silicone injections can be used for the buttocks implant procedures, facial rejuvenation and even for breast implants. The silicone is injected directly into the skin to create a rounder, more plump appearance, and the procedure takes only minutes to complete. However, silicone has not been approved by the FDA for injecting into the body directly, and some people can experience a number of adverse side effects.

A story in the New York Times covered the unfortunate death of Ms. Fiordaliza Pichardo who started getting silicone injections to ‘plump up her thighs and derriere.’ Just one day after receiving one of her injections, she passed away; a medical examiner reported that she died from silicone embolism in her lungs, a situation where the silicone had traveled to her lungs and made it impossible for her to breathe.

Researchers from the Chest Journal explain that symptoms and signs of ‘silicone syndrome’ include fever, cough, chest pains, hemorrhage and altered consciousness. (Source: ChestJournal.org)

The patients may not even realize they are reacting to the silicone until it is too late, and the condition can lead to death.

Silicone injections are typically priced much lower than standard cosmetic procedures, and are illegal in the United States. Still, some doctors are able to obtain the silicone and offer it to patients looking for a ‘discount beauty fix.’ Unfortunately, many patients end up paying a much higher price.

U.K. Flight Attendant Undergoes 30-Hour Plastic Surgery Makeover

An extreme makeover TV show in Great Britain recently selected a flight attendant from Lancashire to undergo a complete transformation, but the procedures that cost over $160,000 ended up leaving her with much more than she bargained for.

Nicola Stratton, 35, wanted to improve her looks with breast implants and the TV show, “A Brand New You” on Channel 5 in the U.K. offered to pay for the costs of her makeover as part of their makeover segment.  Nicola underwent 30 hours of plastic surgery in Los Angeles in order to achieve her ideal look; when it was finished, the audience was astounded at the dramatic transformation.  She went from a B-cup to a DD, and now had a very feminine, curvy figure. The surgeons also gave her facial liposuction and pinned her ears back as part o the transformation.

Unfortunately, there was more in store for this flight attendant looking for a self-esteem boost.  Her self-confidence improved considerably, and she finally felt ‘more feminine.’  However, the results did not last.  In late March 2009, only five years after her extensive makeover procedure, one of her implants burst and left her left breast sagging and loose.  The show makers are not paying for additional surgery, so Nicola has to fork over the $7,500+ for the breast correction and revision surgery.  She says that she simply cannot afford the procedure, and is worried that the other breast might burst as well.

The Los Angeles surgeon who performed the procedure did extend a 10-year warranty for the breast implants, so Nicola will only be responsible for surgery fees, the hospital stay and the flight to and from the U.S. However, this will easily cost her up to $10,000, and she is not prepared to pay the bill.

Nicola has been actively pursuing the TV show producers to see if they can help her out.  She says living with differently sized breasts is a nightmare. (Source: The Daily Mail)

Orange County Woman Uses Fake ID to Get Breast Implants

A 30-year old woman from California has been arrested and charged for identity theft, commercial burglary and grand theft after pretending to be someone else in order to get breast implants and liposuction from a plastic surgery center.

The woman set up a line of credit under somebody else’s name at the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery, and caused suspicion when she did not return for her follow up appointments.  According to news sources, the woman underwent surgery in September 2008 and then skipped town.

Yvonne Pampellone was a patient at the Pacific Center in late 2008 where she had liposuction, and a breast implant replacement.  She had used another person’s name and personal information to get the surgery and opened a line of credit in order to get the procedures. The surgeries were performed without any complications, and the woman returned home; however, she made the mistake of not showing up for her follow-up appointments, an important part of any extensive surgery such as liposuction or breast implants.

She turned herself into Huntington police after lying to doctors and the staff at the center about her personal information.  The staff called the police only because she did not show up for follow up appointments.  Ultimately, Pampellone wanted to trade her old breast implants for new ones and get additional liposuction.

Detectives issued an arrest warrant after discovering that the tracking numbers on Pampellonne’s old implants were linked to her case. The procedures were worth over $12,000, and the woman has been deemed the ‘OC Breast Bandit’ after managing to get away without paying for her procedures. An employee had to pick her out from a photo lineup, and she was charged with commercial burglary, identity theft and grand theft.

Stem Cells Used for Breast Enlargement

While many women are still waiting for natural treatments for breast enlargement, researchers are studying the effects of stem cells for growing breast tissue.

Stem cell therapy for ‘natural breast enlargement’ has become available in Britain for the very first time and promises to increase the cup size and reduce belly fat.  Stem cells are extracted from extra fat in the stomach and thighs, and then used to grow healthy-looking breasts.

Trials of the stem cell procedure first began in the U.K. as a way to repair breast tissues after cancer.  The testing showed very impressive results, and the procedure will now be made available to all women who want to have larger, natural-looking breast.

According to Professor Kefah Mokbel, a breast surgeon at the London Breast Institute at the Princess Grace Hospital, patients will be able to undergo this procedure as early as May 2009. The procedure will cost roughly the same as conventional breast implants in the United States, but the breasts will appear more natural, softer and fuller because they are made with the woman’s own body tissues. The cells are extracted from the woman’s body fat in her thighs and stomach, and then mixed with another batch of fat before being injected into the breasts.  Results are not instant; the breasts will begin to grow over a few months, and then reach their full size and shape after several months.

One of the drawbacks of this procedure is that the breast tissue will not make breasts appear perkier; the soft tissue will simply increase the size and volume of the breasts, and the patient may notice that their breasts are still very soft – not firm.  However, the increase in size may be attractive enough for many patients to undergo the procedure.