Last week I did an interview for the All Night Long show with The Fox on Radio DenTaTa (NSFW). I believe it was broadcast last week, but the host was kind enough to put it YouTube for those of you who missed it. I’m including the YouTube clips directly into this blog, but the interview is two parts… so be sure to play both!

While a large portion of women dream of having a more buxom bosom, many are concerned with complications, scarring, & the replacement surgeries associated with saline & silicone implants. Finally the options are beginning to expand thanks to science & technology. Wish you could take that fat from your hips & put it in your breasts? Now you can! Want a temporary increase in your bust line? Its already available in other countries! Or would you rather just grow more fat in your breasts? That’s coming too! Below I’ve outlined some of the current & future options for those wanting to enlarge their bust without going the route of traditional implants.

Fat Transfer
Expect an increase of: 1 cup size
Expect to pay about: $10k

Fat transfer was what many women wanted for years, even before it existed, but it does bring a range of problems of its own. For many years the FDA did not approve of fat transfer breast augmentation because of problems with fat cells dying after transfer & causing calcification. The calcification interfered with mammograms, making it hard to discern if a woman had developed breast cancer which can also lead to calcification. The technology has come a long way though & now most of the mammogram machines work much better, so the doctors can get correct readings without as much worry over the results of implants or fat transfer. Fat transfer can generally take you up about 1 cup size per procedure. If you opt for fat transfer you aren’t just paying for one surgery though, you are paying for two. Both surgeries are pretty non-invasive & can be done quickly. First the doctor will do use a form of lipo-suction to collect the fat, then a second surgery is performed the same day to re-inject the fat into the breast tissue. After the surgery patients may be required to wear a breast pressure splint for a bit to keep the fat in place. The one major set back to fat transfer is that a good percentage of the fat often dies, leaving the patients with results that are less than desirable. On the plus side, Europeans have been using this method for many years for patients recovering from breast cancer.
Pros: Non-invasive, one time surgery, general anesthesia not required, available in the U.S.
Cons: Cost, minor increase in size, possible calcification, possible fat loss, pressure splint

Fat Transfer with Stem Cells
Expect an increase of: 1 – 2 cup sizes
Expect to pay about: $18K

Fat transfer with stem cells is the newest rage for natural breast augmentation in the United States. While it is similar to regular fat transfer it does have numerous bonuses that tend to make it better. Rather than a two part surgery the procedure occurs in three parts. First the doctor uses lipo-suction (often Body-Jet water assisted lipo) to remove the fat, the fat is then cleaned to optimize the use of the stem cells, which are then re-injected into the breasts. After surgery patients may be required to wear a breast pressure splint for a bit to keep the fat in place. The major advantage to this procedure over the regular fat transfer is that stem cells have a better survival rate (85-90%), & a much lower chance of calcification (less than 10% of patients).
Pros: Non-invasive, one time surgery, general anesthesia not required, available in the U.S.
Cons: Cost, minor increase in size, possible calcification, minor fat loss, pressure splint

Macrolane
Expect an increase of: 1 – 2 cup sizes
Expect to pay about: $5K plus travel expenses

If you are looking for a temporary breast enlargement Swedish science has the answer for you… Marcolane by the makers of Restalyn. Basically it is a dermal filler of gel-like substance created from large amounts of stabilized hyaluronic acid. Patients can remain awake while Macrolane is being injected into the breasts & actively decide how big they want to go. The results of the injections last about 1 – 2 years after which it is metabolized by the body. This is perfect option if you aren’t sure how large of permanent implants you want, or if you want to increase your wages by increasing your bust at a temporary job such as working as an exotic dancer, adult actress, model or bartender. Macrolane does come with the risks of palpable lumps & capsular contractions, some of which can be massaged out..

Pros: Non invasive, general anesthesia not required
Cons: Minor increase in size, temporary, not yet available in the U.S.

Labratory Grown “Implants” With Stem Cells
(Not yet available to the public)
Expect an increase of: unknown
Expect to pay about: unknown

The newest advancement being tested is the idea of growing an “implant” with the assistance of stem cells from the patient. Doctors are turning stem cells into adipose (fat producing) cells, which can be put into molds of different shapes & sizes. The implant grows over the period of about eight months, & can then be inserted under the skin. Trials are just now starting to begin in Australia & will first be offered to recovering breast cancer patients who have be cancer-free for two years or more.
Pros: A more natural implant
Cons: Risk of scaring similar to current saline/silicone implants

Neopec Stem Cell Assisted Breast Growth
(Not yet available to the public)
Expect an increase of: unknown
Expect to pay: unknown

This procedures is probably one of the biggest breakthroughs in the history of cosmetic surgery for implants. Doctors create a pocket in the patient & insert a biodegradable scaffold or mold in the shape of the breast, which is where the new breast tissue will form. Blood vessels which are located near the implant are re-directed to the mold to increase circulation to the area & stimulate growth of new fat cells. Stem cells are injected into the ends of the blood vessels near the mold. Myogel is then injected into the mold to help stimulate the the process for the body to create new fat tissue in the area of the mold. Over the next 4-6 months the new breast tissue forms, after which the mold either dissolves on its own or is removed by the doctor. Researchers in Australia are expecting the procedure to be available to cancer patients within three years, and a few years after that expect to see it on the cosmetic surgery market.
Pros: Natural growth shaped to your breast
Cons: Not yet available

The last thing to realize with any of these techniques is that while your bust-line is increasing, the shape won’t really change. If you love the look of the high profile implants sported by many glamour models & actress then traditional implants will provide you the results you want. Most of the options listed above are best suited for women who are already happy with their current shape, but want more of it, or women who have lost fullness from age or breast-feeding. However, some of these options can be used in addition to a traditional breast lift to give the appearance of younger & fuller breasts. If you love the look & feel of natural breasts look into your options carefully. When contacting doctors offering these services you’ll need to have a lot of patience since there are very few of them, & they are swamped with customers who are booking appointments up to six months in advance. Or, if you don’t see something that is right for you now, consider waiting until the technology you want is available. Science is rapidly changing the cosmetic surgery industry & you never know what will be available tomorrow!

The second part of my interview for YNot.com is now online! I do talk about how I got started in the industry & what it’s like to be traveling around the country, so be sure to check it out.