BREAST IMPLANTS - A RACE TO THE FINISH LINE by Lois W. Stern It is no secret that physically attractive people have the advantage in many facets of their lives: from the classroom to the workplace, from dating to the bedroom, even in simply getting noticed or recognized in positive ways as we go through each day. (Literally hundreds of studies have confirmed this observation.) But I never dreamed that women would be getting breast implants to simply give themselves a competitive edge as they work their way up the career ladder. My eyes opened a bit wider as I read this recent blog a career driven young woman posted on the Internet. She had studied business for four years, earning a degree in human resource management. Determined to succeed, she worked hard at school, practiced her interview skills, and decided on breast implants as part of her anti-aging strategy for success in the workplace. Here Are Her Words: “To say that the corporate world is competitive is an understatement. You must use every edge you have in order to get your foot in the door when you are in your 20’s, and it does not end there. When I decided to get breast implants at 19, I knew I would be graduating in a year and be fighting through the list of applicants for my shot at the future I had always wanted.” She went on to explain that at age 20 she already felt that the race was on. She was determined to get that competitive edge in her career quickly, before she started aging. Her two pronged attack was a) to begin building up her skills to make herself as indispensable to the industry as possible, and b) do whatever she could to make her look her best. Breast implants were a strategic decision. “When I decided to get breast implants, I considered it an investment in my future. I had already pursued an education and I knew that I could compete in that arena. I began working with corporate recruiters at my college campus so that I would become more comfortable in interviewing situations. And I already knew that it was important to dress for the job you want to have. Breast implants were more of a foresight, my strategic anti-aging plan to maintain my edge into my later years. I not only wanted a good entry-level job, I wanted an exceptional, lasting career.” This young woman said that she was not only feeling pressure from the media to look amazing, but that she felt that same pressure trickling down into the work place. “The enticement of plastic surgery can be hard to avoid, when everyone is looking to one-up the other.” If you have been reading my column, you already know me well enough to know that I believe cosmetic surgery can do wonders for one’s self-confidence and self-esteem. But when I read this woman’s story, I felt sadness. Where does it end? I think of the words my mom always used to preach when I was growing up: “Everything in moderation.” How do we put a sense of balance back in our lives? Who Are The Best Candidates for Breast Augmentation? Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you're physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate. What Breast Augmentation Can Do Enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small. Correct a post-pregnancy reduction in breast volume. Balance a difference in breast size. Reconstruct a breast following breast surgery. It is important to understand that breast augmentation won’t fix drooping breasts. In order to reverse the effects of sagging, you need to undergo a breast lift as well. Both of these procedures can usually be completed at the same time. Are You a Candidate for Breast Augmentation? Women generally choose to get implants because: They have small breasts. They have asymmetrical breasts – both in size and shape. They need to reconstruct their breasts after breast cancer requiring a mastectomy. Breasts have lost their firmness due to aging. Breasts experienced drooping or sagging after pregnancy and breast feeding. The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are healthy and those who have realistic expectations for the outcome. This procedure is intended to enhance your appearance, not completely change your body type. Surgical Procedure On your first visit, your surgeon should talk about your goals and expectations as well as the desired shape and size you are hoping to achieve. Based on this discussion, your surgeon can more effectively recommend the proper type of implant, incision location, and placement of the implant for you. The incision can be made in one of four places: Under the breast Around the nipple In the arm pit In the navel area The implant can be placed in one of three locations: Above the pectoral muscles Partially behind the muscles Completely behind the muscles The location of the incision and implant placement are based on many factors, including the size and shape of the implant, your body frame, the amount of breast tissue you have, and your desired scar location. Although the scars are typically discretely located, you should discuss incision placement with your surgeon during a presurgery office visit. (c) Copyright 2008 by Lois W. Stern "Lois W. Stern is the author of Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery, (Infinity, 2006), to be republished in a revised edition in 2009 with an intereactive CD enclosure.”