Help After Surgery

May 25th, 2010

One of the most important things to do before breast augmentation surgery is preparing for your recovery. You don’t want to be left scrambling for meds, food and suitable clothing that will fit your new curves and be comfortable at the same time, all while you’re just beginning to heal. Plus, you’ll most likely have limited physical capability.

So what do you need the most after surgery? Someone you can trust to help you.

The time immediately following surgery can be the most difficult part of the healing process. You’ll be groggy, uncomfortable, most likely in pain (although pain medication can help a great deal) and not in the right physical and mental state to deal with such things as washing your support bra and preparing food. Finding help may not be a problem in the first few hours, since you’ll most likely be kept under observation at the place where you had the surgery where nurses, and possibly doctors, will be able to assist you. However, you will need to have an able bodied person help you once you’ve been discharged with your postsurgical care instructions as outlined by your doctor.

Most women have a close family member help them, such as a mother, sister, or husband. They can provide invaluable support during this time, preparing food as well as helping you tend to your dressings and bathe once you’re able to do so. They can also help you walk around, something you need to do to keep the blood circulating and reduce the risk of blood clots from forming.

Make sure you have someone help you in the days following surgery. If you don’t have anyone you can rely on, contact an organization that can provide post-surgical care in your home. Some clinics can also provide a registered nurse to perform such duties.

18 for Saline, 22 for Silicone

May 17th, 2010

In the US, the FDA has set minimum ages for women who wish to undergo breast augmentation using breast implants. Saline filled breast implants for reconstructive or cosmetic purposes may be used for women who are at least 18 years old. On the other hand, silicone filled breast implants may only be used for women who are a minimum of 22 years old. Why the difference?

Well, according to the FDA these restrictions were put into place to protect the consumer (like all restrictions, right?) The FDA believes that younger women may not be able to make an informed decision due to their age and may not understand all the risks and complications that are related to the procedure. Another reason is that a woman’s breasts continue to develop even past their teens, and undergoing breast augmentation too early may affect development or achieve undesirable results.

As for why the minimum ages are different for saline and silicone breast implants, the FDA reasons that this is also a way to protect the consumer. Silicone filled breast implants tend to feature more risks and complications than saline, such as those related to undetected rupture. As a result, a level of maturity is required that younger women may not possess.

FBI Seeks Cosmetic Surgeons for Help

May 15th, 2010

If you’ve seen the April/May issue of Plastic Surgery News, a magazine dedicated to plastic surgery, you couldn’t have missed the full page ad placed by the FBI for Catherine Greig.

Catherine Greig is the girlfriend of mobster James “Whitey” Bulger, a fugitive who is wanted for federal racketeering and the murder of 19 people. The FBI hopes that the ad will help them obtain more information about Catherine Greig, which will then possibly lead to to the whereabouts of James Bulger. But why Plastic Surgery News?

Well, 59 year-old Catherine Greig has had a number of cosmetic surgical procedures done over the years. According to the ad, she’s had cosmetic eyelid surgery, liposuction and breast augmentation. The ad even goes so far as to state the type of implants she received back in 1982: Surgitek, Lot No. 1800-82-C. These breast implants are believed to be far less durable than today’s models. Ms. Greig probably underwent another breast augmentation to remove or replace these implants, since they most likely would have not lasted up to now.  The FBI is seeking the assistance of professionals in the industry, since she obviously is a fan of cosmetic surgery and may have had another procedure done.

Here’s the ad, in case you’re interested:

UK Transsexual Fights for Breast Augmentation Funding

May 12th, 2010

A transsexual in the UK is fighting for her right to get her breast augmentation funded by the NHS (National Healthcare Service).

The woman, only referred to as C in news reports, believes that the NHS should fund her breast augmentation because the surgery is for psychological reasons – not for purely cosmetic reasons as the primary care trust (PCT) states it is. Lawyers for C state that it would protect her emotional well being and help her make the necessary steps toward realizing her feminine identity. Not funding the procedure would be a form of sex discrimination and a violation of C’s human rights. However, PCT argues that even if the surgery were to be funded, there was no evidence to prove that it would actually be beneficial.

C, who suffers from gender dysphoria, has had hormone therapy to help modify her body become more feminine. However her transformation and the development of her breasts remain less than adequate, making her the victim of insults from strangers. She hopes to undergo gender reassignment surgery for her genital area after breast augmentation. Her request, initially refused in 2006, is backed by doctors.

We’ll find out what happens by the end of the week.

Update: C’s request was turned down by a judge.

A Note on Board Membership and Certification

May 10th, 2010

A license issued by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) is required for all doctors to practice medicine in Ontario. This is essentially how all physicians are monitored.

On the other hand, being a member of a reputable professional organization or being “board certified” is not mandatory. It is, however, an important aspect to consider when selecting the right surgeon.

Organizations such as the Canadian Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery set industry standards that their members must meet in order to remain in good standing. For example, members in good standing with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery must have completed an approved fellowship, pass both a board-administered oral and written examination, and must have completed a minimum of 4 years in residency. Considering how exclusive each board is, it’s all about building an organization of only the “cream of the crop”.

Therefore, membership and board certification often provides valuable insight into a surgeon’s education, training and experience. But remember, not all boards are the same. If the surgeon you are looking into is a member of some obscure board that you’ve never heard of, do a little research for verification. It may help you make a decision in who to turn to for breast augmentation.

The Benefits of Saline

May 6th, 2010

Yes, we’re guilty of knocking saline filled implants for the obvious reasons: they don’t feel as natural as silicone cohesive gel and they tend to ripple or wrinkle – which is visible when little breast tissue exists.

But saline breast implants do feature some traits that are better.

1. Saline implants are usually filled after they’re placed inside the breasts. This means that the incision is usually smaller, making the resulting scar smaller, too. Plus, incision placement can be discreetly placed in the armpit (which is where Beyonce is rumored to have hers).

2. Too big or too small? No problem. A minor adjustment in size may be made after surgery. The implant is simply filled or drained to the desired size.

3. A major concern with breast implants is the risk of rupture. While silicone cannot be absorbed safely by the body, saline can. This is one of the key benefits.

4. And when it does rupture, you’ll be able to notice it right away. This is considered a good thing, since you can deal with the problem asap. Silicone implants need to be monitored annually with an MRI to ensure they haven’t ruptured.

5. Saline is cheaper. We’re talking about the chance to save about a grand. Although money shouldn’t be a prime concern when thinking about undergoing breast augmentation, it is still something to consider.

Boob Job and Lift

May 3rd, 2010

We recently asked women to tell us what their reasons were for getting a boob job. Here’s one woman’s reason. She had a breast augmentation and breast lift performed at the same time:

In the latter months of my pregnancy and in the months after giving birth, my breasts were the largest they had ever been. After realizing my B-cup bras simply could not handle my growing chest anymore, I had to go bra shopping, proudly picking up sexy bras in the highly coveted C-cup size. I replaced all of my ill-fitting B-cup bras, shoving them into the back of my underwear drawer.

Good thing I didn’t throw them out.

5 months after giving birth, my breasts no longer produced milk. Along with drying up, they shrunk, smaller than they’ve ever been. Those C-cups I could fill with ease just months before became cavernous, and even my old neglected B-cups were a little too spacious. But that wasn’t the worst part.

It was the sagginess.

My breasts no longer looked “happy”. They were tired and deflated, depressed about no longer being able to function as a source of sustenance. It really had a negative effect on my self esteem, which is why I decided to get a boob job and lift. I’m really happy I decided to go through with it, and it’s not just because I got a discount for combining the procedures!

Breast Ironing

April 28th, 2010

Breast ironing is a traditional cultural practice that is most common in Cameroon, but exists in several other African countries primarily in Western and Central regions. As soon as a girl begins to show breast development, techniques are performed to stop or even reverse the process. Techniques include “ironing” the breasts with a hot pestle or stone on a regular basis, usually by the mother. Other female members of the family may also participate.

Breast ironing is performed for a number of reasons, none of which are to make the girl more attractive. It is quite the opposite. Flattening the breasts is done for a girl’s “safety” and “welfare”, as it is believed to discourage unwanted sexual attention and discourage premarital sex so that attention is focused on school. By maintaining the appearance of a flat chest, like that of a child, it is believed that a girl won’t perceive or be perceived sexually.

Statistics indicate that about 24% of girls in the country have had their breasts ironed. The tradition is considered a form of mutilation that causes extreme physical and psychological damage. It has also been found to be ineffective at what it attempts to do. National and international organizations have tried to persuade the population to end the practice, however it continues to remain a common one.

Blame the Boob Job

April 26th, 2010

Are you following the heated court battle between Sir Paul McCartney’s ex-wife, Heather Mills, and Sara Trumble, their ex-nanny who cared for their daughter? That highly publicized case about Trumble’s alleged unfair dismissal and sex discrimination, as well as changes to her employment terms after going on maternity leave?

We aren’t really, either, but we thought it got a little interesting when mention of breast augmentation was made. Apparently, the once very close relationship between the two women went downhill when Heather Mills refused to pay for Sara Trumble’s breast augmentation back in 2008 – cosmetic surgery that would have taken place shortly after Trumble gave birth to her daughter. The price tag for the surgery? About $6,100CAD.

“I didn’t criticize her wanting to have a breast enlargement, I just felt it would have been wrong of me to help with something that could have been a reaction to her boyfriend or her hormones,” Mills is reported to have said during cross examination. She also refused Trumble’s request due to health concerns.

We don’t know if Trumble ended up getting a boob job after all, but rumours are circulating about whether or not Mills had one a couple of years ago, following her divorce from Sir Paul McCartney. Mills hasn’t admitted having one, but she did confess that she had the opposite: a breast reduction that took her from a 34E to 34C.

The Top 3 Psychological Benefits of Breast Augmentation

April 22nd, 2010


Breast augmentation isn’t just for your body – the surgery has a great impact on your psychology as well. You’ve just gotten bigger breasts, so obviously it will change the way you perceive things, both in relation to yourself and to others.

The 3 top psychological benefits from breast augmentation:

1. Boosts self esteem. This one’s pretty obvious. We live in a society that cherishes the female form, and femininity is embodied in curves – in the right places, of course. Larger breasts means a curvier body, which means a more attractive shape. And when you think that you’re more attractive, your self esteeme sky rockets. You feel better about yourself and that’s a huge bonus.

2. Boosts confidence. Higher self esteem = more confidence. One important way that your life will be affected by higher confidence levels is that it’ll probably change, for the better. Because you have more trust in your abilities, you’ll break out of your shell and take more risks, expanding your horizons and perhaps lead a more fulfilling life. It could even make you more optimistic, since you’ll be self assured that things will turn out well, regardless of the problem.

3. Makes you feel more like a woman. What defines the body of the fairer sex is not just what’s down there, but also up here. Having larger breasts allows a woman to feel more feminine by achieving a body contour that is more “well-rounded” (pardon the pun!)