As the demand for larger breasts continues to grow, new breast enlargement techniques continually appear on the horizon. I recently posted a blog on the still-being-studied "micro implants" for breast augmentation, and some people are very excited about the concept. But there are other up and coming new options as well, one in particular that is currently already in use by some plastic surgeons.
In addition to standard breast augmentation with silicone or saline implants, there are some doctors who are now performing breast augmentation non-surgically, via injectable dermal fillers. Because there is some controversy about the long-term safety of the longer lasting and permanent fillers (like Artefill), this procedure is usually done with one of the more temporary fillers (like Juvederm).
The advantages of the "needle instead of scalpel" approach to breast augmentation:
-No general anesthesia or IV sedation is usually needed, so many of the risks of anesthesia are avoided.
-There is no cutting, so nipple sensation, milk production ability, and general nerve function are preserved.
-No recovery time is needed.
-No long term commitment is required because fillers are eventually re-absorbed by the body.
-The appearance is more subtle and natural-looking.
The disadvantages:
-Results are temporary, lasting several months to one year.
-Cost is higher over the long run, since the procedure needs to be repeated.
-The method is not practical for patients desiring a significant size increase (more than one cup size).
-Newer procedures always carry a special risk since they are not time-tested.
An important caveat: Injections of liquid silicone gel, though they are still used (most famously in an underground practice called "pumping"), are illegal in the US and many other countries. These injections are known to cause a number of potentially disastrous complications, some fatal.
See breast augmentation before and after photos.
In addition to standard breast augmentation with silicone or saline implants, there are some doctors who are now performing breast augmentation non-surgically, via injectable dermal fillers. Because there is some controversy about the long-term safety of the longer lasting and permanent fillers (like Artefill), this procedure is usually done with one of the more temporary fillers (like Juvederm).
The advantages of the "needle instead of scalpel" approach to breast augmentation:
-No general anesthesia or IV sedation is usually needed, so many of the risks of anesthesia are avoided.
-There is no cutting, so nipple sensation, milk production ability, and general nerve function are preserved.
-No recovery time is needed.
-No long term commitment is required because fillers are eventually re-absorbed by the body.
-The appearance is more subtle and natural-looking.
The disadvantages:
-Results are temporary, lasting several months to one year.
-Cost is higher over the long run, since the procedure needs to be repeated.
-The method is not practical for patients desiring a significant size increase (more than one cup size).
-Newer procedures always carry a special risk since they are not time-tested.
An important caveat: Injections of liquid silicone gel, though they are still used (most famously in an underground practice called "pumping"), are illegal in the US and many other countries. These injections are known to cause a number of potentially disastrous complications, some fatal.
See breast augmentation before and after photos.
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