The Breast Augmentation Blog

The PIP Silicone Breast Implant Scare

2012-01-18T22:15:00.003-05:00

Photo: Reuters

What Happened:

In January 2012, authorities found that French breast implant manufacturer PIP used industrial grade silicone (illegal) instead of the medical grade silicone that is approved for breast implant use. The findings came after about 1,000 women in France and Europe experienced implant ruptures, placing their implant failure rate several times higher than what is normal. Officials believe that between 30,000 to 50,000 women throughout Europe may have received these PIP silicone breast implants.

Who Is Safe?

Women who received silicone breast implants in the United States do NOT have a chance of having received these implants, as PIP has never distributed implants in the USA. European women who have received silicone implants from manufacturers aside from PIP are also not affected.

What To Do If You Received Or Suspect You Received PIP Implants:

First, confirm what kind of implant you have with your surgeon if you don't already know.

To be on the safe side, several medical agencies in European countries (including France and the U.K.) are recommending that women have PIP silicone implants removed as a precaution, even if you show or feel no symptoms of a rupture. Ruptures are often silent, and are not always detected on imaging software. Please see further below for a special message to U.K. women.

How To Make Sure Something Like This Doesn't Happen To You:

Know exactly what manufacturer your breast implants are coming from before you get a breast augmentation. Ask your surgeon for all implant details - manufacturer, fill type, and cc amount. This information should never be a mystery or surprise to you. Doing your homework helps keep you safe.

Only hire a board-certified plastic surgeon, whose first priority is patient safety, and who will only work with a manufacturer who has passed all testing and safety requirements.

Mentor Corporation and Allergan are two of the most trusted breast implant brands in the industry. If your surgeon recommends a different brand, do your Google research and consult with the aesthetic governing agency of your country if need be to double check that the breast implants are from a reputable company.

A Message For Women In The U.K. Who Have Received PIP Silicone Breast Implants:

"Authoritative new professional and patient guidance for all women who have received a PIP breast implant has been released today (Tuesday, 17 Jan 2012) by the professional bodies representing surgeons. The new guidance provides patients with practical advice on what to expect and their rights, indicates to GPs where to refer different groups of patient and advises surgeons on treatment.

Joint statement from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS):

The guidance goes beyond current government advice aimed at patients with symptoms to give additional practical advice for the majority of patients who do not.

Key points include:

- All patients should be able to have an assessment by a surgeon regardless of whether they have symptoms.

- If a patient requests removal - they should expect to get this, regardless of the presence of any symptoms. If a patient wants time to make up their minds this should be respected - surgery to remove implants must not be a time-limited "take it or leave it" offer.

- Scans should only be used as a tool to assist patients make a decision and only take place after the patient has had a consultation with a surgeon. Scanning alone is not a reliable enough tool for detecting failure rates in breast implants.

- Reaffirms the surgical association's view that all clinics have an ethical and moral duty of care to offer these patients treatment without charge.

- Advice to GPs on where to refer patients with different symptoms to ensure they get most appropriate treatment.

The document, Poly Implant Prostheses (PIP) Breast Implants: Joint surgical statement on Clinical Guidance for Patients, GPs and Surgeons has been jointly endorsed by the Association of Breast Surgery, British Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgeons, British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, Federation of Surgical Speciality Associations and the Royal College of Surgeons."

Why You Shouldn't Be Afraid Of A Breast Augmentation

2011-10-15T21:51:00.001-04:00

Usually, the one thing holding women back from getting the breast augmentation they've always wanted is FEAR.

It's exceedingly common to be afraid of many things, some of which are:

-the surgery/anesthesia
-pain and recovery
-potential complications
-getting a bad boob job
-needing more surgery down the road

But there's good news. One factor - the plastic surgeon you choose - can basically wipe that whole slate of fears clean if you make an excellent choice.

That means finding a surgeon who is board-certified, has numerous before and after photos showing his/her beautiful aesthetic skills and abilities, takes the time to give you personal attention and care, listens to what you have to say, as well as your fears and concerns, and operates a first-rate and spotlessly clean facility with a board-certified anesthesiologist and friendly staff.

In fact, if you hire a good surgeon, a breast augmentation is one of the most routine and safest cosmetic surgeries you can have.

The crucial sticking point? You've got to do your homework, and pick the right plastic surgeon.

Slap Your Way To Bigger Breasts?

2011-10-15T21:31:00.000-04:00

Over at AOL Stylelist, Dana Oliver profiles an "all natural" way to increase the size of your breasts out of Bangkok, Thailand: the art of breast slapping.

[Please note: I am NOT recommending this.]

The beautician who founded the method - 44 year-old Khemmikka Na Songkhla - says the technique of slapping, kneading and massaging fat around the breast area was passed down to her from her grandmother.

A modest inch to two inch increase in size can be seen after the treatment, which clients say they are pleased with, as an alternative to cosmetic surgery.

You can check out the story and video here.

What do you think? Crazy or clever?

What To Know About Breast Augmentation

2011-08-08T13:34:00.004-04:00

Photo: ninjadude.com

Today, I'm featuring a guest post by Cindy Roten, who has some great insight on what you need to know if you're thinking about getting a breast augmentation. Enjoy!

-Grace

What To Know About Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation raises a number of very important questions for the person considering it.

If you're the surgery, you'll want to know which surgeon to pick, which specific procedure is best for you, and, most importantly, what your breasts will look like once the surgery has been performed.

Fortunately, online sources like www.AboutPlasticSurgery.com are chock full of info that can answer many of your most common questions.

In the meantime, however, here are a few things to know before heading in to meet with your surgeon.

First, you should know (because many people don't realize it) that breast augmentation is not only about enlarging breasts. These days, surgeons can reduce and enlarge breasts, re-shape, even out or reconstruct them. So, while you probably already know which of these types of procedures you would like done, you may want to consider the range of options available to you.

Today, your breast augmentation does not have to depend on guesswork. Not long ago, it was up to a woman and her doctor to decide what size and shape to aim for in the surgery, and the result would not be previewed before surgery. However, while it is obviously impossible to get a completely literal preview of what your breasts will look like following surgery, there are tools available now that allow women to view very close approximations of what their new breasts will look like. These sizing indicators can be very helpful in ensuring that you're thrilled with your results.

You'll also want to carefully consider the recovery phase before undergoing a breast augmentation surgery, so that you can plan around it. It's not as simple as having an operation, removing the bandages, and going about your day. You will likely need to be inactive for a period of time (typically anywhere from 5 to 10 days depending on what procedures you have done). Whatever the case, it is of vital importance that you follow your surgeon’s directions for recovery, to make sure that your breasts heal correctly, and you end up with the beautiful results you want.

There is plenty of information available on the Internet if you want to know more, or if you have specific questions about your breast augmentation surgery. However, these few basic points should help to get you started. The good news is, breast augmentation today is a very precise surgery, and if you make the right decisions, it should go exactly the way you want it to.

The Future Of Breast Augmentation

2011-07-24T20:20:00.000-04:00

Photo: hq-celebrity.com

Over at the My Life In Beauty blog, "The Knife Coach" Wendy Lewis and Dr. Z. Paul chat about the newest procedures in breast augmentation, and what the future may hold.

The focus is on 'fat grafting breast augmentation' - which is also known as 'fat transfer breast augmentation,' a method that is still very much in experimental phases, and which I've covered as a feature story on AOL StyleList.

Because so much is still unknown in this arena, I wouldn't personally recommend that you consider for your breast augmentation today (unless of course you're a reconstruction patient, where the circumstances are different) - but it could be something that develops and grows into a more 'natural' option for all breast augmentation patients sometime in the near future.

Breast Augmentation: A Reader Speaks Out

2011-04-30T11:36:00.000-04:00

Today, I'm excited to feature a guest post by Constance, a reader who has overcome her fears and reservations about surgery, and gone on to have a breast augmentation that she loves. Here's her story.

-Grace

Photo: BreastAugmentationSite.com

My Boob Job: Making The Decision

I had been toying with the idea of getting a breast augmentation for at least 20 years before I finally decided to go for it!

But I didn't always think I would get a boob job. When I was a teenager, I decided firmly against getting any enhancements - even though I was always self-conscious about my smaller B cup. Then I went to college in California, land of the beautiful bodies.

I continued to think about getting larger breasts. This went on for years, and through two marriages. I always felt less than adequate inside.

But then, I had a huge A-HA moment. I was having lunch with my best friend and an acquaintance of hers. At one point, this woman said to me, "I used to be as flat as you before I got my boob job."

Well, I decided right then and there that no one was going to call me flat again!

(Why are women so sensitive and take it so much more personally when other women critique their appearance, than when other men do? But that's a whole other topic...)

Anyway, I finally made the decision to just do it!

I was approaching 40, and had just been through a rough divorce, and wanted to start my new life with a new body. Not only did I want the breast augmentation, I was also interested in getting a tummy tuck. I had had two Caesarian sections for the birth of my daughters, and no amount of sit-ups would tighten my tummy pouch.

Now came the difficult decision of choosing the right doctor. I went with Dr. Christine Stiles and her specialty Mommy Makeover, so I could get a breast augmentation and tummy tuck at the same time. Dr. Stiles is a female plastic surgeon in Frisco, Texas, where I reside. It was really important for me personally to select a woman surgeon, because it made me feel more comfortable and at ease.

I'm thrilled with my results, and only wish I had done it sooner!

Lady Gaga Wants Breast Augmentation

2010-10-05T17:25:00.001-04:00

Photo: mirror.co.uk

Lady Gaga is lusting for a new accessory, and this time, we're not talking a fire cracker bra or or meat dress.

The pop star was overheard telling a waitress in New York that she was having a serious case of boob job envy while enjoying dinner with her beau, Luc Carl, reports the Daily Star UK.

"I love your boobs! Are they real? I really want to get implants too, I love fake boobs," Gaga allegedly told the waitress. But the platinum blonde had some reservations. "I'm not sure how Luc would feel about me getting my boobs made bigger," added the star.

This actually brings up a great point that readers looking to get a boob job often complain to me about: boyfriends and husbands who aren't down with the idea, and aren't supportive. It can be really upsetting when your man doesn't stand behind a major (and exciting) decision like getting a breast augmentation.

It's confusing, isn't it? Here you are, wanting to look your best -- and chances are, you probably take good care of yourself -- eat well, workout, dress well -- as many breast augmentation patients tend to do, because they're concerned with looking their best. Shouldn't a man be proud to have a woman who takes care of herself as a partner?

The thing is, breast implants cause any insecurities that a man has to boil to the surface -- because many fear that a pair of new boobs is going to be followed by an upgrade in a new man too. You can allay these type of fears with a sit-down chat about how the only that will be changing will be your boobs -- not your relationship. Just talking about it could be all the comfort he needs to get on board with the idea.

Other times, a guy can just be worried about your safety. There are boob job horror stories all over the internet, newspapers and television -- and many people mistakenly believe it's a dangerous surgery with risky complications and unattractive results. Nothing could be further from the truth of course if you do all your research and make the right choices, but people don't know that. If this is the case with your man, let him know that you've done all the research, and show him pictures of the kind of results you're going for. People don't always realize that boob jobs come in more than just one size and shape -- and when he sees that you've hired a great surgeon and have a specific final look in mind, he'll probably relax and maybe even become your cheerleader.

And more rarely, the issue could be that your man is just a boob about boob jobs -- and an underlying cause like jealousy or controlling behavior that is reflected in other areas of the relationship too comes to a head. In this case, you'll want to consider cleaning up or moving past the relationship before you get involved with a breast augmentation -- so that you're in a healthy, positive and happy state of mind before you make such a major decision.

And if you're looking for support, don't hesitate to reach out to me. My contact info is on my blog bio page.

xoxo

Grace

Heidi Montag Regrets Big Breast Implants

2010-09-05T11:04:00.005-04:00

Heidi Montag admits that she hates her G-cup breast implants, and is getting them taken out.

Unfortunately, I'm not surprised -- I always say that bigger is NOT always better when it comes to boob jobs. New York's Dr. Jennifer Walden agrees, and recommends a better size for Heidi. READ MORE.

The Dangers of Bargain Boob Jobs

2010-08-08T23:51:00.000-04:00

Photo: Jessica Cbl

Cheapie plastic surgery bargains have been on the rise - but the two women I interview tell tales of a face lift and breast augmentation gone wrong, and how it ended up costing them more in the long run.

Plus, a popular discount cosmetic surgery chain that I strongly advise you avoid at all costs. READ MORE.

Breast Augmentation Fat Transfer

2010-06-08T10:46:00.002-04:00

The thought of swapping out extra fat from your tummy or thighs to your breasts sounds pretty amazing, doesn't it?

The technique is called breast augmentation fat transfer.

And while it sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, it's a technique that more and more plastic surgeons are experimenting with today!

One important thing: This technique is in the experimental phase, so I don't advise that you try to find a plastic surgeon who will perform this on you right now.

But it's a super interesting technique that you may be able to safely consider a little further down the road, once they've completed more tests to make sure everything is kosher. READ MORE.

Kush Support

2010-05-06T11:32:00.000-04:00

Image: www.kushsupport.com

An interesting product pitch involving breasts crossed my desk today.

It actually made me laugh out loud.

Created by doctors, Kush Support is a sleek plastic cylinder meant to provide breast support and comfort while you sleep.

They claim that it's perfect for breast implants, c-cup or larger girls, side sleepers, post-op recovery, pregnancy and back pain. They also say that it prevents cleavage wrinkles -- as if mother nature doesn't give us enough to worry about on our face and necks!

I haven't tried the tool myself, but I'm completely intrigued.

I remember when I was healing from my augmentation, sleeping on my side several weeks later still felt very uncomfortable because the new weight of my top breast pulled against gravity, and my tenderly healing skin wasn't too happy about that.

But if you're healing from a breast augmentation, be sure to ask your doctor for approval -- as with anything else -- before you give it a try.

Dare I ask what they'll think of next?

Hollywood Hating On Breast Implants

2010-04-23T19:27:00.003-04:00

Heidi Montag's cups are currently being traded for smaller chests like Astrid Berges-Frisbey in LA castings.

Photo: StyleList.com

AOL just asked me to write a story on boob jobs.

Apparently, there's quite a bit of backlash going on about breast implants - in of all places, Hollywood.

Yep - we're talking about the town that practically invented the concept of the eternally perky, full breast.

You can read the full story here.

It brings up a very important point that I get asked a ton about: breast implant size.

As you'll see from the link, women who choose supersized breast implants are often the unfair target of harsh judgments made by other people. These judgments can even limit the possibilities of things you may want for yourself in life - like certain careers and relationships.

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to figure out that many people think that extra large breasts = dumbed down floozy.

Now I think that's totally ridiculous, but that's unfortunately the world we live in.

So when women ask me what size to go with, I always tell them to make sure they're picking one that works in all facets of their lives - from the professional to the intimate to the fun.

That DD cup that makes your husband go cross-eyed and drop everything may make you feel like you need to button up to your chin while leading a presentation at work.

And Lord knows you're not shelling out those thousands just so you can walk around looking like a nun!

So you want to be aware of the image you're projecting, because most human beings -- whether it's wrong or right -- will judge the way you 'package' yourself.

There are also added complication risks you need to consider when going for an extra large size. Your skin and tissue needs to be able to support it, and it's often not pretty what an extra large implant will do to your chest tissue after years of gravity and wear and tear.

Plus, a large rack is HEAVY and can get cumbersome and tiring to carry around. I mention in the story that Sharon Osbourne is removing her DD implants this July - and it's for exactly this reason. She says they get in her way, and she's tired of lugging them around at the expense of her back.

With all that said, if you still decide that a supersized implant is for you and you have the confidence to carry it off, then I'm totally in support of you getting what you want and enjoying them!

Just remember that you need to be EXTRA vigilant about hiring a fantastic surgeon, because anyone with anything less than the best skills who implants extra large breasts is usually a recipe for disaster and the dreaded botched boob job.

And as for the chatter in the story from casting directors about breast implants being out of vogue in Hollywood - I say sure - maybe for the next five minutes. :-)

We're so familiar with this as women. Pointy toed heels are in, then they're out. Then they're on the cover of Vogue again, but not before you already sold your old pair on eBay. Damn it.

The truth is, for all the whining people do about how breast implants are fake and terrible and the cause for every ill of humanity, they walk past women with implants every day, and are none the wiser about it.

The average woman asks for a "full C" when getting implants. And no one can tell unless she shares the secret.

Just some food for thought as you contemplate boob jobs!

And remember - The Boob Job Bible is my full guide to everything you need to know to safely get the beautiful breast augmentation you've always dreamed of.

I back it with a bullet-proof 30 day money-back guarantee, always.

Breast Implants Without Anesthesia

2010-04-09T21:55:00.002-04:00

Photo: www.vip-arabmedical.com

The New York Times reported a disturbing trend today: the increase in doctors offering breast augmentation without general anesthesia.

You can read the full story here.

I just read the piece, and I literally dropped everything to put together this potentially life-saving message for you. This is one of the most dangerous games I've seen cash-hungry doctors getting away with in this country yet.

The piece features Dr. Robert L. True of Colleyville, Texas as one of more than 100 doctors in the USA who perform breast augmentation under local sedation.

Dr. True is really a gynecologist though. No surprise there. Many non-plastic surgeons are picking up more lucrative work "on the side" since you get paid up front and in full when performing cosmetic surgery, and you don't have to deal with insurance companies.

Doctors who perform cosmetic surgery on the side often learn how to do the surgery in weekend seminars. Meanwhile, plastic surgeons study breast augmentation for years before they're allowed to touch a patient all on their own. I can't tell you how drastic the difference in knowledge and care is between the two camps. It's literally the difference between taking a weekend course or getting a PHD in a subject.

And I can't over-emphasize enough how dangerous it is to hire someone who is not a board-certified plastic surgeon to cut into your body with a scalpel.

It's not worth any amount of savings.

You've got one face and one body, not to mention one life - and hiring someone who isn't qualified to touch you risks all of that.

But I haven't even shared what Dr. True likes to do with his patients during their breast augmentations.

Dr. True says he actually talks to his patients while they are laying on the table getting sliced up, and even sits them up on the table in a groggy haze so they can take a look at their breasts half way through and choose their size!

Do you have any idea how 'out of it' you are when you've got all of those narcotics and drugs pumping through your system? And now you're going to make a decision that will have permanent consequences for your body?

The story doesn't even touch upon the potential complications a doctor carelessly exposes you to by moving you up and around while operating on your breasts.

I can't believe a doctor can legally get away with doing this in this country.

There is a tragedy just waiting to happen here. And I don't want you to be the one who falls susceptible to it.

Heading into your breast augmentation surgery, all implant decisions should already be made. There is no reason to have to pick your size while you're undergoing the actual surgery.

The only thing your board-certified plastic surgeon should be doing during surgery is concentrating on your safety and the skill of placing the implant properly so that he produces the beautiful results you both agreed on BEFORE the surgery!

I of course go into detail on all the decisions you should make prior to the surgery in The Boob Job Bible.

Take the time to educate yourself and do all your research so that you won't fall prey to dangerous situations like this one, and so that you can have a safe, gentle experience that produces the gorgeous results that you want.

Please pass this message on to anyone you know considering a breast augmentation so that they're warned. Let's all keep one another safe.

Woman Sues Plastic Surgeon For Giving Her "Four Breasts"

2010-03-04T22:44:00.004-05:00

In a dramatic five million dollar lawsuit filed by Maria Alaimo of Staten Island, the 47 year-old patient accuses her plastic surgeon (Dr. Keith Berman) of implanting her with "four breasts."

YES, FOUR BREASTS.

But put the brakes on that freaky visual that just popped into your head!

What Maria is actually referring to is a breast augmentation complication called "double bubble."

Double bubble happens when an implant falls down BEHIND the fold of the breast instead of forward INTO the breast. As a result, the breast ends up with two folds that make it look like one breast is stacked on top of the other.

You might need to read that again to really "get" what I mean about how it's caused.

Here's a photo set to illustrate what I mean. Note that this IS NOT Maria Alaimo - it's a patient of Mountlake Terrace, Washington Plastic Surgeon Dr. Richard A. Baxter. The top set shows the double bubble, and the bottom set shows Dr. Baxter's amazing post-corrective surgery:

Photos: http://www.implantinfo.com/

Now back to the lawsuit.

Maria had the first failed boob job in 2003, and she claims that two corrective attempts by Dr. Berman left her no better off - with breasts that "appear flattened on the bottom with severe swells the size of a softball on top," causing her to suffer from "pain, disability, loss of self-esteem, humiliation and embarrassment," - as reported by consumerist.com.

But that isn't all.

Maria is also blaming her divorce on the failed surgeries, saying that she could no longer be intimate with her husband after her disfiguring surgery.

Interestingly enough, the lawsuit states that she paid $2,999 for the breast augmentation in 2003, plus a $500 referral fee. That's such an eyebrow-lifting bargain basement price, that I would have immediately questioned why the steep discount; breast augmentations in the New York area average about $7,000-$9,000.

But a search on the American Board of Plastic Surgeons website shows that Dr. Spencer was board-certified for the first time in 1999 (4 years before Maria's surgery), and was just re-tested and passed board certification again in December of this past 2009.

So is this a case of a hysterical patient who may not be revealing the whole story behind her complications? Or is it a case of poor plastic surgeon skills?

It's impossible to tell with only the little sensational nuggets the public has of the story. It doesn't seem right that three surgeries later, Maria's breasts are still not fixed - but it's also pretty ridiculous that this woman seriously thinks a breast augmentation is the sole reason her marriage ended. (That's what she states in court documents.)

But I can't leave you without a moral to this tale of woe!

If you have very saggy breasts, your risk of double bubble is higher.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon if double bubble is something you should be concerned about. Most often, a lift to remove the excess saggy skin when you get your breast augmentation can all but eliminate the risk of this complication, if you've hired a skilled and properly credentialed surgeon.

Olympic Track Star Removes $13K Breast Implants

2010-02-20T21:28:00.001-05:00

Photo: paperchaserdotcom.ning.com

Can you imagine paying $13K for a breast augmentation, only to pay for ANOTHER surgery to have the implants taken out 14 months later?

That's exactly what Australian track star Jana Rawlinson did, according to the Paper Chaser website.

Even though the sports star "loved" her new girls, she felt encumbered by them - and feared they were getting in the way of making the best race times.

If you're an athlete - or even just super active - you absolutely need to consider size when going for a breast augmentation!

Anything larger than a full B cup can get in the way of speed times and balance - and may even be a risk if your sport involves lots of body contact.

I figure skated competitively for many years, and am a bit of a fitness freak. I "wore" my size around for three months before my breast augmentation with a padded push-up bra to make sure that I was never uncomfortable while working out or being active.

I highly recommend you do the same - a size that you think looks gorgeous in the mirror may actually turn out to be in your way while doing the things you most love to do.

And you don't want to have to pony up $13K + for that lesson..

How To Protect Yourself From Dangerous Plastic Surgeons

2010-02-08T00:24:00.002-05:00

Photo: http://www.radiancesanantonio.com/

Just a couple days ago, a jury found Plastic Surgeon Dr. Marco Loiacono guilty of professional misconduct in his treatment of a 33 year old breast augmentation patient, Catherine McCormack of Dublin, reports The Irish Times.

The lowdown?

Catherine's left breast became infected a few days after her breast augmentation at the Advanced Cosmetic Surgery (ACS) clinic in Dublin back in October 2006. When the mom of three went to see the doctor about the situation, she was red, inflamed and - get ready for this - oozing. These are all symptoms of a severe infection, which at that advanced stage can call for immediate hospital admittance, intravenous antibiotics and possibly removal of the implant.

Instead, Dr. Lociacono stitched the wound together, put her on your typical ho-hum antibiotics, and sent Catherine on her way - a response that the surgeon amazingly continued to stand by in court.

Also discussed in court was the fact that Dr. Lociacono didn't see Catherine for a whole 20 days after her initial surgery; his defense is that nurses saw her in the days following her surgery.

Catherine ultimately had to have her left breast removed, leaving her disfigured and ill with a significant recovery from the nasty infection.

Dr. Lociacono moved and continued to perform cosmetic surgeries in Brazil and Italy. Nice, huh?

Now this all brings up a very important point that I discuss in depth in my eBook, The Boob Job Bible: 10 Steps To A Sexy, Safe Breast Augmentation. YOU need to "interview" any plastic surgeon you consult with to make sure he's going to be your number one advocate, and that you'll be safe and completely cared for under his guidance.

While there are reckless and poor plastic surgeons out there, the one good piece of news is that they're pretty easy to pick out if you know what to look for.

Just a couple out of several points my eBook addresses that could have prevented this situation:

1. At your consultation, ALWAYS ask who will be seeing you for your follow up appointments right after surgery. Anyone other than the surgeon performing the breast augmentation on you is unacceptable, and you should never hire someone who gives you less than that.

2. While infections are rare, the signs to look for: Redness, skin that feels "hot" and any kind of oozing. If you so much as SUSPECT an infection, get in to see your plastic surgeon immediately. Not his nurse, not a phone call - him personally. If he finds that you DO have an infection, you'll want to ask if it's necessary to make a hospital trip for intravenous antibiotics and whether there is a risk that you may need to remove the implant. Infections are nothing to mess with. And you most certainly don't hang out with one for over 20 days, with no further treatment.

And this is the kind of story that scares women straight out of ever getting a boob job.

But if you do your homework, ask the right questions, and hire a great board-certified plastic surgeon - you can protect yourself from these kinds of craptastic doctors who give the whole industry a bad name.

Thigh Fat = Perky New Breasts?

2010-01-29T16:30:00.003-05:00

Photo: Linda Barlett for National Cancer Institute

A pretty sensational press release crossed my desk today, claiming that the first "stem cell breast augmentation" had been performed in Florida, with an injection of regenerative cells that should increase the patient's bust by one cup size.

Fat was taken from the woman's thighs and hips via lipo, and then processed to extract natural regenerative cells - which were then injected into her breasts.

Now THAT'S my idea of recycling!

But remember that anytime you re-inject your own fat into your body, some absorption can happen. The release claims that this procedure retains 80% of the injected fat.

This all seemed a little too good to be true, so I consulted board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Parham Ganchi of Wayne, NJ to ask what he thought.

"This is basically fat injection to the breast which has been around since at least the early 90's. When fat is harvested, there are stem cells there. What these stem cells do or don't do is not known. What we do know is that by taking the fat and stem cells and whatever else is mixed in there and putting it in the breast, you can achieve a very modest breast augmentation. The problem is that there have been some concerns about the injected cells increasing the chance of breast cancer and interfering with our ability to detect breast cancer on a mammogram," says Dr. Ganchi.

If longer term studies show that the procedure is safe, Dr. Ganchi does think this could become a more popular option.

But because we're dealing with a possible connection to breast cancer, studies will take years - maybe even a lifetime.

So for now, silicone and saline are still your best friends.

Victoria Silvstedt: Victim Of Breast Implant Rippling

2010-01-15T23:56:00.000-05:00

Not surprisingly, this less-than-flattering photo of Swedish model, actress and Playboy Playmate Victoria Silvstedt has been making the internet rounds.

The blonde bombshell was vacationing in St. Barths when this shot was snapped, clearly showing rippling in the inner side of her left breast.

Rippling is a breast augmentation complication that can happen to anyone and is very difficult for plastic surgeons to predict, though decisions like choosing large implants and going over the muscle increase your chances of ending up with the issue.

It's not painful, nor does it cause any further problems - it can just look unsightly.

And just like Victoria's pose in this photo, patients who get rippling tend to see it when they bend over and gravity pulls at the implant at a strange angle.

The best way to prevent rippling? Stick with a moderate size and go under the muscle.

Some plastic surgeons say that rippling is a bit more common with saline than it is with silicone too.

Writer Fired For Showing Off Breast Augmentation

2010-01-15T23:41:00.001-05:00

Photo: okvi.com

There has been some hot gossip making the rounds of the New York media world lately, and it involves a pair of breast implants.

Apparently, a writer at Brides magazine - which is owned by media giant Conde Nast - called a couple of long-time friends into her office, closed the door, lifted her shirt and revealed her sparkling new breast augmentation - which was neatly wrapped up in a post-surgery sports bra.

Mouths flapped, and word of the incident traveled like wild fire through the office.

And then HR came knocking on the door.

They said they would investigate the matter, and investigate they did: two days later, the editor found a pink slip on her desk.

The axed editor is livid, and has since sued Conde Nast for wrongful termination.

"It was within the confines of my office, behind closed doors. There was no nudity involved. They were personal friends who I had known for years," she told the New York Post.

Lesson: Resist the urge to talk about or show the girls off at work. You might just end up walking the plank.

A Definite Way To Tell If Boobs Are Fake

2010-01-15T23:29:00.000-05:00

Photo: wm.edu

Someone has finally figured out a way to definitely tell if boobs are fake.

That someone is Shauvon from The Real World; the one who burst her implant doing a stunt for the show.

This little science experiment involves a flash light and a dark room.

Apparently, if you put a flashlight right up under a breast in a dark room, a fake implant will glow Halloween orange.

So of course I HAD to immediately try this to see if it's true.

A dark room, a flash light and 15 seconds later - my boob was lit up like a Jack-o-Lantern.

Unbelievable.

Heidi Montag Before And After Pictures

2010-01-15T23:15:00.002-05:00

Photo: HuffingtonPost.com

Unless you've been living under a rock recently, you've most likely heard the brouhaha over Heidi Montag's before and after photos in People magazine this week.

The controversy? The 23 year-old Hills star got a jaw-dropping TEN cosmetic surgery procedures done in one day.

Here's the grand total list:

-Mini Brow Lift (who lifts a 23 year old's brows?)

-Botox in Forehead and Frown Area

-Nose Job Revision

-Fat Injections In Cheeks, Nasolabial Folds and Lips
-Chin Reduction
-Neck Liposuction (Now I've heard everything)

-Ears Pinned Back

-Breast Augmentation Revision

-Liposuction on Waist, Hips and Inner and Outer Thighs
-Buttock Augmentation

Wow. Can you imagine what that recovery must have felt like?

Most good, board-certified plastic surgeons would refuse to stack that many surgeries into one day; the additional time spent under anaesthesia increases your risk of a serious complication like blood clotting, and it's difficult to heal properly from so many fresh surgeries at one time.

And another reality check: the "after" photo is an achievement of Photoshop flawlessness; in real life, anytime you cut into the skin - you'll leave some type of scar. Heidi no doubt has scarring going on here that we're not seeing.

All that said, I think I'm the only person on the planet who thinks she looks amazing in the "after" shot - except for the cartoonish breast augmentation. I'm willing to bet that Heidi is going to see some complications down the road for choosing such an exaggerated size for her naturally petite frame. She's asking her skin and tissue to do some pretty impossible things there.

But the funny thing is - I find myself looking at the before and after of her hair style the most out of anything. That sleek blowout looks gorgeous. And you know it only took 20 minutes, a big round brush and a hair dryer to achieve..something anyone can do for free in the privacy of their own bathroom.

Breast Implants For Terrorists?

2010-01-06T23:13:00.000-05:00

Photo: LifeHack.org

Terrorist plot: Check.

Explosive PETN: Check.

Breast Implants: Check.

What?

Believe it.

Now that the TSA is considering a switch to full-body scanners that leave nothing to the imagination, it's possible that would-be terrorists could conceal explosive materials in unscannable areas like breast implants, says Elan Singer in his Forbes.com article.

According to Singer, all a terrorist would need to set off bomb material implanted in breasts - or any other fleshy body part like thighs for that matter - is a liquid accelerant that could be injected with a pen.

The point of this hypothetical situation? Sanger is suggesting that new full-body scanner searches will just push terrorists to start implanting explosive materials within the body - making all of us even less safe with nothing to show for it other than a longer wait in security check point lines.

Who would have ever thought..?

America's Most Expensive NYE's Package Includes Boobs

2009-12-31T18:58:00.001-05:00

Photo: http://sporeflections.wordpress.com/

You know how every once in awhile, a dying restaurant comes out with an outrageous 10 pound burger or some other such instant artery-clogging dish in order to get free publicity and intrigued customers to come through the door?

It looks like desperate plastic surgeons are turning to the same measure.

New York Park Avenue plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Greenberg is offering the ultimate "new you" for New Year's: Three tables at a New Year's Eve Lady Gaga and John Legend concert, round-trip first class tickets from NYC to Miami with a choice of 5 star penthouse rooms in South Beach for a month with a chauffeured Rolls Royce, AND a pair of new breasts - as reported by Asian News International.

The boob job comes with a 24-hour care nurse and unlimited spa treatments.

The cost for all of the above?

A cool $100K.

While some (wealthy) women prefer their plastic surgery to come in pampered packages, you can't lose sight of the fact that a breast augmentation is a serious surgery that you have to make sure you REALLY want before you even consider going there.

It's not like a pretty dress you buy in the store; you can't just take it off if you find that it doesn't "fit" you quite right.

So while anyone can check out a concert, penthouse suite and ride in a Rolls Royce convertible (um, sign me up for that one!), not everyone is a candidate for breast augmentation.

If you know exactly what you want, what the risks are, what the recovery entails, and have done all your research on the best implant fit for you...then knock yourself out.

But if you none of the above applies to you, you could end up not only very disappointed - but with a bad boob job to boot.

Lesson: Do your homework first. Get beautiful boobs second.

Just When I Thought I'd Seen Everything..

2009-12-31T18:08:00.000-05:00

Photo: thenewsjunkie.com

You can't make stuff like this up.

Canadian tattoo fan Lane Jensen decided that the FFF cup scantily clad cowgirl stripper tat on his calf just wasn't outrageous enough - so he decided to give her a boob job, as reported by The Denver Westword. As in a REAL silicone boob job!

Yes, this man is now walking around with a boob job on his leg.

This of course begs the question - just WHO did Jensen find to actually implant silicone in his leg?

And unfortunately for the raunchy yet hot-bodied cowgirl, her boobs look like one big lump of lard stuck together.

And I'm thinking the Canadian boy might have to move to a hot Hollywood type climate, where he can wear shorts year-round to show off his "art." I can't imagine the big bump looks all that compelling with a pair of pants over it.

Miss Oops Brings Us The Boob Tube

2009-12-26T00:48:00.001-05:00

Photo: missoops.com

Every woman has a gorgeous, sexy top that she'd LOVE to show off at the office or a family party, but it shows a bit *too much* of the girls. So it sits collecting dust in a drawer.

Camisoles never look right underneath these kinds of tops because the extra bulk just isn't flattering. ("Is that an extra stomach you've got underneath there, or are you just happy to see me..?)

So you can imagine how excited I was come across this new product from Miss Oops - the Boob Tube.

What it is: A 95% rayon / 5% spandex bandeau that fits right over the boobs, so you can conceal that peeking cleavage without adding a whole extra layer to your outfit.

The boob tubes come in a rainbow of shades - and at $25 a pop, they're seemingly pricey for such a small amount of fabric - but you'll no doubt get a ton of wear out of them for a long time to come.

Our only question: Why didn't we think of this before?

Man Wants Payment For Ex-Wife's Breast Implants

2009-12-09T23:02:00.000-05:00

Just when you thought you'd heard it all, here's a new one for you.

In the current Isaacson v. Isaacson case brewing in North Dakota, Erik Isaacson is claiming that the value of his ex-wife Traci's $5,500 breast implants should count as a mutual asset. And get this: he's saying the same for her $1,000 lasik eye surgery.

(Why do I get the funny feeling that someone cheated on someone else here..?)

So how did the judge react?

"Absolutely nonsense. I can't imagine people would actually waste time thinking that breast implants are marital assets. It just defies common sense. I don't know how you would expect me to award breast implants, if you want me to have them cut out and given to Mr. Isaacson," said South Central District of North Dakota Judge Robert Wefald.

During proceedings last week, Justice Daniel Crothers asked Isaacson's attorney, "Do we have any lines to be drawn? Is a hip replacement a marital asset?"

In return, Isaacson's attorney argued that medical expenses should be considered marital assets when they are "clearly cosmetic, elective, non-necessary."

I think these folks need to pack their bags and head over to Judge Judy.

What do you think?

"Every Day" Women Get Breast Implants Too!

2009-12-08T21:09:00.002-05:00

I was having lunch with a girl friend recently when she told me that she had just been asked to be a bridesmaid at her cousin's Bermuda wedding.

But here's the good part. Her cousin managed to pick out dresses in the kind of loud fucshia floral print you would wear as a costume on Halloween if you were going as an 80's bridesmaid. And - according to my girl friend - the strapless style makes her look "flatter than a panini sandwich." Her words.

So we had a breast-enhancing brainstorming session that included everything from Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Convertible Bras to cleavage cupcakes and bronzing in between her breasts to trick the eye into seeing more depth there. If only men knew!

And then my girl friend told me - "You're so LUCKY - you're just naturally blessed!"

Um, not quite..

I broke the news that I wasn't always a D cup diva. Actually, I'm a former 34B.

"No way! But those don't look like STRIPPER T-TS!" she shrieked a little too loudly for an intimately packed restaurant in midtown at 1pm.

No, these babies aren't stripper boobs. And far less augmentations than you think actually are.

So many women out there want enhancement, but what holds them back is the fear that they'll end up looking like a floozy cartoon pinup. The kind that men don't take seriously.

The truth is, the MAJORITY of breast augmentations today are had by every day women. I'm talking teachers, lawyers, nurses, real estate agents - stay-at-home Moms.

You just don't notice the more subtle versions because they don't call out for your ATTENTION.

The good news: you can have control over the kind of breast augmentation you get, including a boob job that subtly fills out your clothing and makes you feel and look incredibly sexy without raising the eyebrows of co-workers, your hair stylist or your mother-in-law.

But there's a BIG CATCH: You need to know WHO to hire as your plastic surgeon, HOW to figure out what the perfect size is for your frame, and EXACTLY WHAT to ask for.

Without these ESSENTIAL steps, you could risk ending up with the kind of supersized big breasts that are keeping you from taking the plunge in the first place.

To learn how to get the perfect sized breast augmentation for you, be sure to read Chapter 3 of my eBook, The Boob Job Bible; 10 Steps To A Sexy, Safe Breast Augmentation.

If you have NO CLUE what size you want to be, I give you a step-by-step guide on how to figure out it and get it right - the first time!

And hey - you might decide that bigger IS better. Just remember that the bigger the implant, the higher the complication risk. Read Chapter 7 to learn how to dramatically reduce your complication risks, as well as what special things you need to consider if you do go bigger.

Unfortunately, I can't help with ugly bridesmaid dresses..

Real World Contestant Bursts Implant

2009-12-08T21:05:00.001-05:00

Recently, MTV "Real World/Road Rules Challenge" contestant Shauvon Torres did a belly flop during a show stunt and ended up in the ER for a burst breast implant!

This is seriously every breast augmentation patient's worst nightmare.

I've always been nervous about what would happen if my car's airbag went off. Or if I fell real hard on my chest while figure skating.

New York City Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Nina Naidu tells me, "It's very hard to rupture an implant with 'normal' activity. Ms. Torres must have hit the water really hard. Though with an implant that's older than 10 years, it may take less force."

One of the largest manufacturers of implants in the US is Allergen, and they report a deflation rate of 5% at 3 years, 7% at 5 years and 10% at 7 years. "The longer implants are in, the higher the risk of rupture, which seems to increase around the 7-10 year mark," says Naidu. "We tell patients that they may need to exchange their implants after about 10 years."

I do remember reading about the 10 year recommendation to switch out implants when I did my research on boob jobs. And it completely freaked me out. Who wants to set themselves up for that many surgeries down the road?

My personal take on it is that these girls aren't going anywhere unless they NEED to! But if you're in a sport, job or lifestyle where you consistently experience a lot of impact on your chest, I think the 10 year mark is something you really need to consider in order to make sure breast implants are a good fit for you.

What No One Tells You About Getting A Breast Augmentation

2009-12-08T21:03:00.001-05:00

So I was at the gynecologist today getting my yearly women's wellness exam (fun times!), when my doctor brought up the subject of breast augmentation in a most interesting way.

(Note: She of course does this while my hands are awkwardly up over my head and it feels like she's kneading dough out of my poor breasts.)

"I only see about 25% of boob jobs that are good, and yours is one of them. I don't care for 75% of the work I see."

REALLY?

Now of course I had to jump on that. What's so wrong with the whopping 75% of boob jobs she doesn't like?

"They just don't look or feel right. It's the wrong type of implant for the woman. The size or shape is wrong, or it's just not placed right. It doesn't feel womanly. It feels fake."

This brings up a real interesting point that I never see addressed in breast augmentation books, articles or websites.

They always tell you to pick a board certified plastic surgeon.

But what they DON'T tell you is that just picking a board certified plastic surgeon doesn't guarantee you'll have a good result!

Let me give you a parallel. If you're hiring a lawyer, you of course want to hire someone who has their law degree and all the proper credentials. But that doesn't necessarily mean that everyone with a law degree is a GOOD lawyer.

Likewise, when you're hiring a plastic surgeon, you want to choose from doctors who have the most basic requirement: board certification. But that doesn't mean that ANY plastic surgeon with board certification is automatically a GOOD plastic surgeon.

This was evidenced by my gynecologist's next question. "Who is your plastic surgeon? He's GOOD."

There's a bunch of other things you have to look for to make sure you're hiring a GOOD plastic surgeon.

One of the most important things to research is the doctor's WORK. Lawyers can be judged by how many cases they win. And plastic surgeons can be judged by their before and after photos.

So say you're considering a certain plastic surgeon who is board certified and who your girl friend has been to. You need to be on the doctor's website, checking out every before and after shot posted to make sure the work looks like the type of breast augmentation you want for YOURSELF.

Plastic surgeons have different styles. You need to find a style that suits YOU and YOUR BODY.

If there are only a few photos on the site, ask to see the doctor's complete patient photo book. Every GOOD plastic surgeon keeps one in the office.

If the doctor doesn't have one or is reluctant to show you it for whatever reason, BIG RED FLAG. RUN!

If you want to make sure a plastic surgeon is certified with the right board, you can download my FREE report - 5 Things Every Woman Should Know Before Getting A Breast Augmentation. It tells you exactly how to make sure a plastic surgeon is properly certified with all the right credentials. Get it for free at http://www.theboobjobbible.com/

And if you're looking for a step-by-step guide on how to choose a GOOD plastic surgeon who will give you the gorgeous breast augmentation you've always wanted, be sure to read Chapter 1 of my eBook, The Boob Job Bible: 10 Steps To A Sexy, Safe Breast Augmentation.

I tell you exactly what to look for in before and after photos as well as the checklist of things every GOOD plastic surgeon will have.

Remember, the plastic surgeon you choose has the BIGGEST influence on the kind of boob job you'll end up with.

There's a lot of both BEAUTIFUL and BAD boob jobs floating around out there, and it almost ALWAYS comes down to the plastic surgeon who put them in.

Choose your plastic surgeon wisely and carefully, or else risk ending up in that bottom 75%.

The Before & After Photo Obsession

2009-12-08T20:59:00.000-05:00

Check out the before and after photos of Heidi Montag's breast augmentation.
Pretty amazing, isn't it?

Now regardless of whether you think she looks cuter before or after, one thing is for sure: us ladies LOVE studying before and after pictures! Men do too, but I think most women sit and critique for much longer.

I'm trying to figure out why that is. Is it because we enjoy seeing the "potential" for more aesthetically pleasing change in someone? Are we looking for "ideas" for ourselves? Are we just BORED?

I'd love to hear what you think.

Oh, and methinks that the boobs aren't the ONLY thing that has changed for Ms. Montag..check out the subtle transformation of the nose and lips too!

The Boob Job Bible

2009-12-08T20:56:00.000-05:00

Hasn't every woman at some point wondered what it would be like to have a boob job?

An augmentation. A lift. Or maybe a (gasp!) reduction.

Boobs are so much a part of being a woman that it's hard to NOT think about them, isn't it?

Well, after years of THINKING about it - I finally took the plunge.

I got a boob job!

Best gift I've given myself. EVER! It's like a TRANSFORMATION.

For the curious, these are the three most surprising facts I learned during my years of research:
-Breast implants aren't lifetime devices. Manufacturers say those babies only last about 10-15 years. Have some women out there kept them longer? Definitely. But it's a surgery you have to be prepared to repeat down the road if you get one. Maybe even multiple times.

-There's two kinds of implants: saline (water) and silicone. But even the saline implant has a silicone rubber shell. So either way, you're putting silicone inside of you.

-Your new boobs can take anywhere from 6 weeks to about six months to settle down! They start out "high" up on your chest because your muscles tighten in response to the surgery. Once the boobs "drop," they look more naturally shaped. The dropping process sometimes even makes you gain more cup size since your muscles settle their grip on your implants. So if you want your new girls to look fab for a particular event or day, plan FAR ahead in advance!

For the ladies out there who are more curious (you did find your way to this blog didn't you?) and maybe even think they may take the exhilirating plunge one day, here's the juicy 411 on my book:

http://www.theboobjobbible.com/