Do birth control pills affect your breast size?
Oral contraceptives or birth control pills can affect your breast size, however, they cannot influence any changes permanently. You may note changes to the overall fullness of your breasts when you first begin using birth control pills, but only a breast augmentation procedure can effectively change their size permanently.
The change in breast size (volume and fullness) is largely due to fluid retention or temporary weight gain caused by the increase in hormones in the body. Changes in size are often noted when taking the active pills (containing hormones) in the pill pack. Size may return to normal when taking the inactive (or placebo pills). Changes tend to subside after a period of time and the breast size typically returns to normal.
What is the ’24-hour’ boob job?
This procedure is also referred to as the ‘lunchtime breast lift’. For those wanting to look a little ‘fuller’ for a special occasion can opt for a temporary breast enhancement called ‘Instabreast’ without going under the knife (non-invasive).
A saline solution is injected into the breasts while under local anaesthetic and can be done in about 20 minutes. A woman’s natural size can be increased by a cup to a cup and half. The injected saline (salt water) is temporary and is absorbed back into the bloodstream within a 24-hour period. Breasts deflate and return to their normal size and shape once the saline solution is absorbed.
This procedure can provide women with a temporary, but instant confidence boost. It is also a great way for others to gauge if they would like to permanently enhance the size and shape of their breasts. The procedure is painless and a woman can go straight back to normal life and activity following the procedure.
Downsides are that the procedure doesn’t come cheap so you can expect a hefty bill each time it is done. There are also some minor side effects which can include a little bruising, potential for infection (at the site of injection where a needle has been used), nerve damage or haematoma.
If the procedure is done several times, a woman does run some degree of risk for stretching the skin (taking away some of the intrinsic support in the breast) and changing the natural architecture of her breast (shape and size).
Is there a link between silicone gel implants and connective tissue disease?
Scientific experts are looking into a possible link, but have so far been unable to find a direct link to an implant being the cause of a connective tissue disease.
Some women with silicone-filled (gel) implants have been diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) that is traced in the breast tissue near the implant shell. ALCL is a very rare type of lymphoma (cancer) involving the cells of the immune system. ALCL is usually contained within the fibrous capsule that forms around the implant shell and should not be confused with breast cancer.
Most women with implants were diagnosed with ALCL after seeking medical treatment for implant-related symptoms (such as pain, lumps and swelling, or asymmetry). In most cases, surgery was effective in treating ALCL by removing the implant and surrounding scar tissue. In some cases, additional treatment from radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both helped to treat the condition.
The risk of ALCL is extremely low in women with breast implants and only occurs with textured options.
Can you breastfeed a new-born baby if you have breast implants?
Implants placed under the chest muscle can help prevent damage to the milk ducts and nerves, thus enabling a new mother with implants to successfully breastfeed her baby. Any breast augmentation procedure can result in increased (or decreased) sensitivity in the nipple which can have some impact on a woman’s ability to successfully breastfeed. Incisions made under the crease of the breast or through the armpit shouldn't lead to any cause for concern. An incision around the areola can, however, increase your risk of experiencing problems with breastfeeding.