Kourtney Kardashian

The reality star and socialite may not be as recognizable as her sister Kim, but she has not been shy about discussing her breast implants. The 33-year-old had breast implants in 2001, and she's surprised people talk about it the way they do.

"I have had breast implants," she told E! online in 2010. "But it’s so funny because it’s not a secret, I could care less."

Kelly Rowland

The former Destiny's Child star has been equally upfront about her decision to get implants. She has said in several interviews that she had been planning on undergoing the procedure for some time. It was a decade-long decision making process, and she had the surgery in 2007. In the end, she says, it was the right one.

"It’s something I really wanted to do for myself – not for a man, not for work, for myself and I love them," she told Cosmopolitan UK last fall.

Kate Hudson

The "Almost Famous" actress had been vocal about her undersized chest for years, but in 2010 she stepped out with a noticeably-fuller figure. According to Radar Online, Hudson's are some of the best in Hollywood because while they are not overly-noticeable, there is a distinct difference.

There may be some activities impacted by a breast implant surgery. For instance, runners may notice a little different in balance and swimmers may need to adjust to the different buoyancy.

In addition, breast augmentation can affect a person's range of motion, especially when the implants are on the larger side. However, as long as a patient explains his or her daily routine and concerns to the surgeon, the professional will be able to recommend the proper implant size that will fit in with the patient's lifestyle.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, those who opt for the surgery should ensure they are well prepared for breast augmentation recovery as well. It is important to follow the surgeon's instructions and not over extend oneself while healing to ensure the best results.

The picture in question shows the "Love Story" singer stepping out in a blue and white striped dress that, when compared to photos taken last year, shows a substantial change in her cup size. Some plastic surgeons think the photos indicate she may have had breast enhancement surgery.

"I think it's pretty obvious that she’s had breast enhancement," Dr. Richard Fleming told the website. "It looks very nice and proportional."

While it might seem as if she had a (apparently very well done) breast augmentation, others are not so quick to come to that conclusion. For one, a source close to the 22-year-old singer told GossipCop.com that Swift absolutely did not have breast implant surgery. Still, others think that Swift's seemingly larger bust could simply be the result of the shirt she's wearing or the angle of the photo.

Stand in front of a mirror and look at your body

1. Are currently happy with the size of your breasts, compared to your body type, or would you be happier if they were larger? -Breast implants come in all sizes. However, if you are happy with the size, you may only want a different shape, or just a little more lift (breast lift).
2. Look at the shape of your breasts. Are they flat, perky, round, cone-shaped, teardrop, or maybe even a bit droopy? -What shape do you think would compliment your body best? The placement of the implants will dictate how the shape of the breast will appear. For instance, by placing the implants underneath the muscles (submuscular), the breasts may take on a more natural tear drop shape. In addition, the implants will have less effect on your overall size, and will give a subtle, natural-looking improvement. If the implants are placed above the chest muscles (subglandular), you will achieve the greatest amount of size with the least amount of implant. This type of placement will also give your breasts incredible cleavage, and a more “rounded” appearance.
3. What do you think is the long-term outlook of your breast shape? -Where you place your implants will also affect the long-term outlook as you and your implants age. For instance, submuscular implants do not sag as they age, so they have the ability to hold their shape on a woman who is naturally more perky. Subglandular implants are within the breast, so they tend to sag along with the breast. This may sound like a negative feature. However, when you consider the opposite, which is high placed implants, working against naturally drooping breast tissue, that option can give the more unnatural appearance.

Sculpting a new appearance using breast implants can be as complex as painting the Sistine Chapel. However, if you know what you want, your plastic surgeon will be able to create the look using a variety of implant sizes, placement, surgery techniques, and options (breast lift, etc.).

After losing their own breasts, many women are turning to plastic surgery to help replace their appearance. In some cases, the women choose to upgrade to larger, or better shaped breasts. Breast implants can, not only improve your look; they can give you the chance to live a normal life. Cancer is a part of a lot of families lives. The fear of diagnosis can hang over the heads of the women who have breast cancer throughout their family tree. If you are worried about your chances of making it past middle age, perhaps it is time to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss getting the genetic test that can confirm if you have either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.

Choosing to live without fear is no longer also the choice to spend the remainder of your life with a big portion of your confidence permanently severed. Breast implants are not just for celebrities and swimsuit models. They can help restore your lifestyle, self-assurance, and maintain your feminine shape, whether you’re in clothes or out of them.

If you’re considering a preventative mastectomy, talk to a plastic surgeon about how breast implants can maintain (or improve) your current look, while giving you peace of mind.

Since the worldwide health scare surrounding the French-made PIP breast implants, some women may be a little weary of getting the procedure done, and you should be. The good news is that poor implants are as avoidable as the common cold if you take the proper precautions. Breast augmentation continues to be the number-one plastic surgery procedure across the world, which is why it is important you consider these tips to protect yourself.

FDA Approved
The first thing you need to know, is that the PIP implants were not FDA approved, and nor were they sold in the United States. The women in the US who are having problems, received them outside of the US. It is perfectly safe to get implants in other countries. However, it is important to make sure that your plastic surgeon is board-certified, and a member of either a national or international association, such as the Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons or the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). These associations have a strict application process, which ensures your doctor has the proper qualifications, and uses the accepted products and techniques as prescribed by these associations.

In addition to the qualifications of the surgeon, it is important to know that the implants being used are safe. The PIP implants were being claimed as the newest and greatest thing, yet they were not FDA approved. The FDA has officially ruled silicone breast plants as safe. However, it is up to you to investigate your implants, to ensure they have been sanctioned for medical use.

What to Do if You Are Worried About Your Current Implants?
If you have already had breast augmentation surgery, and are unsure of the brand, the first thing you need to do is to check your implant ID card. This should have been given to you after surgery, and features information about the brand, size, and batch number. If you did not receive a card, you can call your plastic surgeon, and they should have that information on file.

If you have the PIP implants, don’t panic; you have two options. You can either follow up with regular yearly examinations to make sure they have not ruptured, or you can have them removed and replaced. Based on recent studies, there is no connection with silicone leakage and an increase of cancer. The most common symptom is inflammation. However, in many cases, a small leak will have no symptoms, which is why it is important to get your yearly examination.

You can help keep breast implants safe for everyone by following these tips. If all plastic surgeons that used improper techniques and products were scrutinized to the point of losing business, eventually the only ones remaining would be credible. Don’t be tempted by incentives or special deals. Make sure your surgeon is certified to give you the kind of satisfying and trouble-free results you deserve!

For instance, a good portion of breast implants are made of silicone rubber, which has both positive and negative properties. Silicone is one of the most successful materials for simulating the look and feel of a real breast. However, silicone is also foreign to the body, and can cause problems.

Today’s, silicone breast implants are less likely to have side effects, as compared to several years ago. However, the advancement of nanotechnology will allow them to be even safer and more effective in the future, especially for women undergoing breast augmentation/implant surgery due to a mastectomy.

The idea behind nanotechnology and breast implants, is to alter the characteristics of the silicone from within its atoms, making it more compatible for use inside the body. In addition, scientists will find new ways to manipulate the properties of the implant to deliver helpful medicine/chemotherapy to the chest cavity surrounding the implant.

Implants with the capability of delivering chemicals will decrease scarring and discomfort. They will increase the effectiveness of administering chemotherapy directly to the area it is needed, reducing most traditional side effects. The possibilities of using nanotechnology to improve the benefits of breast implants is endless.

In the meantime, the safety of FDA approved silicone implants are constantly improving. Contact a qualified plastic surgeon to find out more about the newest materials and procedures that are available to you today.

Confidence Builder
The number one advantage of breast augmentation is an improved self-esteem. Studies show that implants boost the confidence of the majority of patients. The one caveat that goes along with this improved self-image, is that women may not be more satisfied with their life after a successful surgery. Breast implants will not necessarily increase your level of happiness. If you are dealing with depression and are looking for a quick fix, implants may not be your best option. Depression can be a serious psychological disorder, and one that can be improved with the help of your regular doctor.

Satisfaction
One fear women have about breast implants, is that they won’t be satisfied with the results. According to the data collected from previous patients, around 80 percent of patients (8 out of 10) are glad that they did the procedure, and would do it again.

Improved Sex
Another advantage of breast implants is an improved sex life. It is no secret that body image affects your interest in, quality of, and amount of sex you have. According to a recent poll, 34 percent of women who underwent breast enhancement, claimed to be more satisfied today, compared to their post-surgery love life. In addition, 61 percent of these women reported having more sex with their partner. This presumably would also have a positive effect on the partners in these women’s lives, resulting in a slight increase in general relationship satisfaction.

A Barrier to Injury
While safety is not a common reason for considering breast augmentation, there are stories in the news that suggest implants can serve as a buffer to injury. In the event of being struck in the chest by either an assailant or car crash, some patients have discovered their implants have served as a barrier, protecting them from severe trauma.

All jokes aside, breast implants have not only improved women’s self-esteem; they have saved lives. For the most part, there is no right or wrong with getting implants. The most important prerequisites to making a good decision is having realistic expectations, a positive self-image, and a board-certified doctor to help guide you towards the kinds of improvements that will make you feel more like yourself.

It’s quite natural to overlook the process that creates those curves. In your mind, as in the mind of most women considering breast implants, you’re likely planning to walk into the surgical center, take a nap and then walk out again with lovely new breasts.

In reality, there’s a bit more to the surgery than a quick nap and augmentation.

The First Week
The first week after your surgery will be the most difficult. There is significant pain associated with any surgery, and breast implants aren’t an exception. Your doctor will help you manage the pain with medication, and you can expect your body to heal and the pain to diminish after the first week. That first week will also be the time your body is the most swollen and bloated following surgery.

As the fluids from the IV work their way through your body the bloating will go down. Meanwhile the breast tissue around your chest will be inflamed and swollen, making your new breasts appear much larger and firmer than they will be once the swelling goes away. You can expect all of the swelling to disappear after a month.

The First Month
During the first few days following surgery you should do a bit of walking to prevent the risk of blood clots in your legs, but otherwise rest and relax, doing your best not to move, twist or manipulate your upper body while it heals. For the first month, you can watch the swelling go down as your new breasts settle into place. During this first month, continue to take it easy and avoid excessive movement – especially twisting the upper body or any strenuous activity. Be gentle with your breast implants and you can expect to feel normal and even more confident in a matter of three to four weeks.

But how do you know if you should be one of the women opting for new curves?

You have small breasts. If you’ve gone through life making it a point to not look in the mirror or you’ve invested in a range of padded bras and even silicone breast enhancers to slip inside your bra to help create cleavage and a larger chest, you’re a prime candidate for breast implant surgery. Imagine not needing any padding or help to create a large chest – you could wake up, get dressed and walk out the door knowing your figure is proportional and balanced.

Your breasts are lopsided. It’s natural for every woman’s breasts to be a bit difference, but if you have a distinctive difference in the size of your breasts, perhaps a full cup’s difference between the left and right, breast implant surgery can help to balance the two breasts and create a more symmetrical look and feel. No more lopsided tops and uncomfortable bras while you try to hide your lopsided figure.

Your breasts have been damaged. Pregnancy and breast feeding are two of the worst culprits for damaging breasts. The tissue is stretched outrageously during pregnancy and then again during breast feeding. Stretch marks, deflated appearances and a lack of firmness are all reported after pregnancy, and breast implants can repair this sort of damage almost overnight, returning your breasts to their original appearance, or more likely, an appearance better than what you had before children.