Many women look at themselves in the mirror and wish for a more feminine figure. Despite several years of controversy, breast implants are now more popular than ever before.

Claims that implants cause a particular disease have to be tempered with the fact that, with over two million women with breast implants, there are going to be women with virtually every disease imaginable that have implants!  Many studies have been done regarding the relationship of implants to cancer and auto-immune diseases such as arthritis. The amount of data shows no increase in the incidence of these diseases in women with implants. This does not, however, mean that there are no problems or risks to having implants. 

The most common problem with implants is known as “capsular contracture”. This is an over formation of scar tissue in the normal fibrous capsule that the body forms around the implant. It can lead to rippling of the skin or a tight, round - looking implant. Correction of this problem involves removing the implant and the scar tissue and replacing the implant. This usually works. In some cases, however, the capsule stubbornly returns and the implant must be removed.  While this problem is not truly an illness, it can lead to the need for additional surgery.

Many patients feel self-conscious about their desire for bigger breasts. People will only realize that your breast size has changed if you want them to!  In a tight top that hugs the midriff, even moderate sized breasts will draw attention. On the other hand, if one wears a button-down sport shirt and a conservative bra, no one will know whether you are an A cup or a C cup.

Proportion really makes a difference when it comes to breast size. With a small chest a person looks like they have big hips!  When breast size increases, the hips and waist look much smaller.

This surgery is done with local plus sedation and takes less than an hour. Most people are back to near normal activity in 4-6 days. Upper body exercise is usually deferred for 2-3 weeks.

Contrary to what many people believe, were not taken off the market. These implants were reclassified at the time of the implant controversy, and now are only available in an FDA approved study of gel implants under the care of an approved investigator.