The difference between the old and the new is in the size and shape. Gone are the Pamela Anderson twins, and instead the catwalks and red carpets are filled with breasts that look like they were born that way — perfectly pert, but naturally rounded and not too big.

Also known as an augmentation mammaplasty, breast enlargement or colloquilly boob job, it has an extremely high overall satisfaction rate.

But if the boob job is that popular, why are celebrities having their implants removed?

In an effort to look more natural, Victoria Beckham admitted to having her breast implants removed early in 2011. Jane Fonda and Demi Moore have also had theirs removed in the past, whilst Kimberly Stewart famously had hers removed, framed and sent to Ozzy Osbourne's son, Jack Osbourne.

Cape Town cosmetic surgeon, Dr Stuart Geldenhuys, believes that in many instances, women who have implants removed or redone, may have made bad or uninformed choices — either having chosen breast implants disproportionately large in relation to their frames.

Oversized implants can cause breast tissue to thin, reducing the soft tissue cover or stretching of the breasts with sagging, capsular contracture or visible rippling.

Thankfully, the quality of silicone implants has significantly reduced the risk of leakage, as well as other adverse effects.

“Breast augmentation techniques have become more sophisticated since the first implants were done.

The emphasis on long term outcome and breast stability is paramount," comments Geldenhuys.

These days, simple silicone pillows aren't necessarily the best option. Instead, anatomical implants have been developed to create a more natural silhouette. These come in a wide variety of heights, widths and projections allowing custom tailoring to a woman's body proportions.

“Shaping and proportion are now our priorities, and size is purely a consequence of these choices,” explains Geldenhuys.

“A patient needs a result that in twenty years will still be appropriate and look good.

"A natural result is proportional, has a gradual slope to the upper half of the breast, full rounded lower pole with focus and projection of the nipple areolar complex, noticeable cleavage with soft transitions between the breast and chest wall.

"Adequate tissue cover will ensure that neither the implant margins nor rippling will be visible and along with an appropriate sized implant will limit any long term breast tissue thinning or sagging."

While anatomical implants are more expensive, they require a more systematic approach to breast augmentations. Breast and the chest wall measurements define choices rather than just an artistic eye. Furthermore the surgery requires more precise execution — all important factors in ensuring long term satisfaction.

Thu, 08 Sep 2011
Source: Lifestyle at www.iafrica.com