How do female breasts "age"?

As a plastic surgeon in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Florida, I am regularly asked by women, "How do I keep my breasts from aging.  How can I keep them young looking?"

A recent report in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal had a fascinating study of 161 sets of identical twins.  

The study was done at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland.  What did they learn?  

1. Twins who moisturized their breasts everyday had fewer wrinkles.  

2. Women who received hormone replacement therapy after menopause had a more attractive breast shape, areolar shape and projection.  

3. Women who breast-fed had less attractive shape and nipple areolar size/shape. 

PS: No one wants to discourage breast-feeding. It certainly has benefits that go beyond the shape and appearance of aging breasts. But facts are facts and should be reported as such. I want my patients well informed, but I leave the choice to you.

If you ever have any questions about any of my blog messages, please email me at

RJBrueck@abodyandface.com 

or join the conversation at

http://www.Facebook.com/
DrBrueckMDFortMyersPlasticSurgeon.

Breast size is increasing

Breast augmentation remains extremely popular.  In 2011, more than 316,000 women underwent breast enlargement.

 I recently read a brief synopsis of a new book authored by Florence Williams, entitled “Breasts: A Natural and Unnatural History.”

The reason behind the book was because Mrs. Williams was involved in a breast milk research study while nursing her daughter.  This led to extensive research and led to her book.  She found out her milk contained toxic materials.  She knew there was much to be learned.

In my practice as a plastic surgeon in Fort Myers, FL, when I do a breast aug, I would rather err on the side of a little too big because patients adjust up easier than they adjust down.  For years, people have been obsessed with breasts and their size.  What was revealing to me was what type of materials were used in breast implants in the early 1900’s.  Such materials as glass balls, ivory wood chips, peanut oil, paraffin and ox cartilage to name a few.

Today, life is much simpler - silicone or saline - and my choice is silicone. A patient must be at least 22 years old to get silicone, unless it is for reconstruction, i.e. a congenital defect.  

Since silicone is back on the market, the popularity of breast augmentation has risen dramatically.