ParfumGigi@aol.com ParfumGigi@aol.com

... Plastic Surgeon, Robert Kevitch, MD, says there are natural reasons to limit the size of breast implants. The base of the implants ... The FDA is not telling the TRUTH! Write your congresspersons and demand an investigation into the FDA! The Plastic Surgeon Society has been fully aware BREAST IMPLANTS are harmful with serious side effects! They've been Reporting to the BI manufactures since these faulty medical devices were first on the market$$!

Who flew the women in to protest that breast implants be approved? The Plastic Surgeons with, Rod Rorich doing PR to get them approved every chance HE could manage to utter a word... except the real Truth to the news!

Healthbeat:Size Matters

August 19, 2005

Jen Christensen

Breast augmentation (breast enlargement) is a procedure to enhance the size/shape of the breasts. It is the second most popular surgical cosmetic procedure in the U.S. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 334,052 women had the surgery in 2004.

There are many reasons a woman may want to pursue breast augmentation. Sometimes a woman believes her natural breasts are too small. In some women, the volume of breast tissue decreases after pregnancy. Breast augmentation may also be performed when one breast is significantly smaller than the other – equalizing the size of the two breasts.

Today, most implants are made of a silicone shell filled with a saline solution. (The FDA still has restrictions on the use of silicone gel-filled implants.) The surface of the implant can be smooth or textured. Implants also vary in shape, size (volume), profile (how high they stand, or stick out) and shell thickness.

Many women seeking breast augmentation are under the impression that "bigger is better." Women are sometimes afraid if they choose a smaller size they will be disappointed in the long-term results. Others like the look of being "overly endowed."

However, extra large breasts aren’t necessarily a good thing. Very large breasts are heavy and can put a strain on the back. The weight of large breasts makes them difficult to support and can cause painful bra strap indentations in the shoulders. Women with very large breasts may find they are unable to get properly fitting clothing. (These complaints are the reason many women with naturally large breasts seek breast reduction surgery.)

Plastic Surgeon, Robert Kevitch, M.D., says there are natural reasons to limit the size of breast implants. The base of the implants must fit into the pocket created under the skin or muscle. Bigger implants have wider bases and won’t fit well in women with smaller bodies. In addition, the skin overlying the new implant can only stretch so far. Attempts to place an overly large implant could cause compression and damage to the underlying tissues. Surgeons can sometimes get around the problem by using high profile implants (implants with higher projection to give the illusion of bigger breasts).

Women who seek breast augmentation need to understand the procedure carries some risks. As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, postoperative pain, swelling, scarring and delayed wound healing. Some women experience changes in nipple sensation (overly sensitive or loss of sensation).

The FDA also warns breast implants don’t last forever. At some point in time, almost all women who have breast augmentation with implants will need to have the devices removed. The most common problem associated with the implants is capsular contracture. This condition is caused when scar tissue forms around the implant and tightens. The affected breast may feel tight or hard and somewhat painful.

Rupture or breakage is a complication that occurs with many implants, causing the device to deflate and the breast to lose its shape and volume. Leakage or rupture can occur months to years after implantation.

For general information about breast enlargement or breast implants:

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, http://www.surgery.org

Food and Drug Administration, http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants

Check out the HealthBeat Archive.

Find this article at: