breast augmentation

Are you a member of the IBTC? If some scientists have their way, you may have an option to grow to a bigger cup size. The London Times reports that a new treatment, soon to be available in Britain, could lead to a bigger bosom — "naturally." The treatment involves harvesting stem cells from extra tummy fat, then growing them in the breasts. Most likely, women would go up a cup.

The technique, already used in Japan, will be tested on 30 women beginning in May. Professor Kefah Mokbel, who leads the project, says the stem-cell ta-tas are superior to implants. "They feel more natural because this tissue has the same softness as the rest of the breast," he says. But plastic surgeon Eva Weiler-Mithoff, who is unconnected to the project, has some reservations. While she has treated cancer patients with good results, she doesn't recommend it for healthy women. Bottom line? Another way to have bigger boobage could be available in the near future, but until then, a push-up bra remains the best option . . . or you could, you know, just be happy with what you've got in the first place.

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Just when you think you've seen it all, a new cosmetic procedure comes along to out-weird the last. The latest one is referred to as the Boob Jab — that's jab, not job. As an alternative to breast implants, the Boob Jab is an injectable filler that can increase the breast's fullness by one cup size. A doctor numbs the underarm area, then injects a hyaluronic acid-based filler called Macrolane into the breast. The results are immediate, although some bruising is common. But here's the catch: the $4,000 procedure produces results, but they last only from 12 to 18 months. Over time, the body absorbs the filler, and the breasts need to be "topped off."

If you're itching to see what it's like to be a C-cup rather than a B-cup, this could be right up your alley. But I wouldn't be into this — I'm just not a fan of needles or injectable fillers in general. And on a larger level, I'm tired of the pathologizing of small breasts. Is it just me, or is the obsession with implants and the like getting out of control?
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After learning that half of you would consider getting breast implants if the procedure were simple, I thought you might be interested in this profile (NSFW) of Timmie Jean Lindsey, the Texas woman who was the first to have breast implants. It's an interesting look into the history of cosmetic surgery, especially considering how little information this woman had compared to the women of today. The cynic in me suspects that Timmie was offered the chance to be a guinea pig because she was a poor high-school dropout working a low-paying job to take care of her six children—especially because she wasn't after a bigger bosom in the first place. Ironically, she thought her breasts were fine, but she disliked her ears; she agreed to be a guinea pig if her surgeon would "fix" her ears, too. Deal.

Although her surgeon assured her that silicone implants were "as harmless as water," 10 years after the operation, Timmie Jean's implants began to harden. Since then, she has also experienced shooting pains, rashes, chronic fatigue, and a tear in the shell of one implant. She says:

"I truly believe women should be free to choose. But, to be honest, there are times when I think I would like to have mine taken out. I started to get pain in the Eighties and sometimes it lasts for five to six weeks. It feels like I've broken a rib."

The story is a must-read for anyone who's interested in the history of plastic surgery, or who's considering going under the knife herself. No matter where you stand on the issue of breast augmentation, I think your heart will break a little for this woman.

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For women who want breast implants, money is often a huge roadblock. (Read this story to find out how people are affording these pricey procedures.) That's why an entrepreneur named Jason Grunstra has come up with Myfreeimplants.com, a site that connects small-chested females with men who'll donate money to help them reach that goal. The guys pay $1.25 to send a message to the women, and $1.00 of that fee goes to their surgery fund (Grunstra keeps 25 cents).

Some women auction their underwear to potential benefactors, while others pose for nude photos. Ashley, the 23-year-old shown here, is looking to have her second breast augmentation. Through the site, she earns $50 for sending users topless photos (sometimes in a schoolgirl outfit) and $100 for a nude photo. She estimates she's sent out approximately 200 of these photos, saying:

"It's a business thing for me. I mean, I hate to feel that way. Because I know some of these guys are thinking I'm their friend," she says. "I'm not really a fake person, so it's kind of a challenge for me. But at the same time, you know, you got to make the money."

Unsurprisingly, the concept has earned the ire of people who say it's an exploitative venture. But with more than 5 million page views per month, there's clearly an audience of women who can't afford augmentation on their own (and, of course, men who are willing to pay to help them reach their goal). What do you think? Is this a savvy move for the small-chested, or is it just a sign of small self-esteem?

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For the first time, a patented bra made for women with surgically enhanced breasts has arrived. According to the makers of the Le Mystere No 9 bra range, the rise of "fake look" implants has caused breasts to be too round and too high for conventional bras.

Conventional bras are designed with conical-shaped cups and oval-shaped underwire, while augmented breasts tend to be rounder and fuller on top, with a wider cleavage. The No 9 bras are available at Bare Necessities for $76-$79.

I'd be curious to know if these No 9 bras are actually more comfortable! Or if anyone has had an augmentation, I would love to know about your experience with bras post-surgery - do they actually not fit as well? Do tell!