From the Guidelines
Surgical breast augmentation using implants or fat transfer is the most effective method to increase breast size, but it's crucial to weigh the benefits against the potential risks and complications, as highlighted in the 2023 study by the American College of Radiology 1. When considering breast augmentation, it's essential to understand that results vary based on individual factors. For natural enhancement, consider weight gain through a healthy diet with adequate calories, as breasts contain fatty tissue. Targeted chest exercises like push-ups, chest presses, and flys can strengthen the pectoral muscles underneath breast tissue, potentially creating a fuller appearance though not directly increasing breast size. Some key points to consider when evaluating options for breast size increase include:
- The use of hormonal birth control may increase breast size in some women due to estrogen and progesterone effects, but this should only be used if prescribed for contraception.
- Surgical breast augmentation using implants or fat transfer provides permanent results but carries surgical risks and requires recovery time, with potential complications such as implant rupture and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) 1.
- Non-surgical options like vacuum devices or herbal supplements lack scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.
- The importance of consulting with a healthcare provider to discuss options appropriate for your specific situation and health history, as emphasized in the guidelines for breast reconstruction following surgery 1. It's also important to note that breast reconstruction may be an option for any woman receiving surgical treatment for breast cancer, and all women undergoing breast cancer treatment should be educated about breast reconstructive options as adapted to their individual clinical situation 1.
From the Research
Methods to Increase Breast Size
- Breast augmentation surgery is a common procedure to increase breast size, as discussed in 2.
- The surgery involves the implantation of breast prostheses or the injection of autologous fat and other materials, with the most common method being the implantation of a prosthesis, as mentioned in 3.
- Breast augmentation with fat grafting is used as an alternative to breast implants, with low complication rates, as reported in 4.
Complications of Breast Augmentation
- The rupture of breast implants is the leading cause of implant removal, with the rupture rate increasing substantially with the increasing age of the implant, as stated in 3.
- Implant complications can be grouped into two categories: local complications in the breast and adjacent soft tissue, and systemic complications associated with rheumatologic or neurologic symptoms, as discussed in 3.
- The use of MRI contrast material in patients with breast augmentation is indicated when infection or malignancy is suspected, as mentioned in 3.
- Complications after breast augmentation with fat grafting include hematoma, infection, and seroma, with low rates of major complications, as reported in 4.
- The combination of ruptured Poly Implant Prothèse breast implants and AQUAfilling gel injection can lead to breast deformity and implant rupture, as described in 5.
Treatment of Implant-Associated Infection
- The management of severe implant-associated infection is a challenge, and the traditional two-stage treatment is associated with significant limitations, as discussed in 6.
- One-stage implant salvage and antibiotic-alone treatment are proposed as alternative approaches to manage implant-associated infection, with successful salvage rates, as reported in 6.