Titanium Bras
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http://www.iol.co.za/general/news/newsprint.php?art_id=vn20040624134145788C105826&sf=
By Thea Jordan
A doctor in Germany has invented the world's first titanium bra - and it's meant to be worn under the skin.
Dr Ziya Saylan, president of the European Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, has developed a technique to implant cups of titanium mesh under the breasts.
They are then attached to the patient's ribs and muscle. The effect is claimed to be instant, youthful-looking boobs with invisible lift.
'A woman with these implants will never have to wear a bra again'
In the past four months, more than two dozen women have undergone the procedure, which costs the equivalent of R47 000.
"The advantage is that a woman with these implants will never have to wear a bra again," says Saylan. The surgical technique is unique to Germany at the moment, but is expected to become available elsewhere in due course.
Titanium is flexible, but extremely strong. It is completely inert, so will not cause an allergic reaction in the body, and Saylan claims it will never sag.
The procedure, which can be done at the same time as a silicone implant to increase the size of the breast, is performed under general anaesthetic. Saylan, 55, says most patients are women between 30 and 45 who have developed sagging breasts after childbirth or weight loss.
Older patients are less suited for the procedure because their skin might have lost some of its elasticity.
'After a short while you will not even know it is there'
At the start of the 90-minute operation, the patient is placed in a sitting position so the breasts hang down over the chest.
A semicircular cut is made around each nipple and space is made for the implants between the glandular tissue of the breast and the fat just under the skin.
Dr Saylan says it is important not to damage the fat layer, because otherwise the implant may show through.
The titanium mesh, which weighs just 35g and is as thin as net curtains, is cut to size and moulded into a cup shape. It is flexible enough to be rolled up and inserted through the small incision round the nipple and then manoeuvred gently into place.
The implant is held in place by stitches that attach it to the breastbone and the pectoral muscles.
These dissolve after 10 weeks, when it has already fused with surrounding tissue. Patients stay in hospital over-night but can be back at work after a week.
"At first, the breast is tender to touch," says Saylan, "but after a short while you will not even know it is there".
Scarring is minimal because it is disguised around the nipple.
Afterwards, the breasts are higher and firmer, because the tissue is compacted into the titanium cup.
Apart from the cos-metic effect, patients who go bra-less could get health benefits, too.
An American survey of almost 5 000 women showed the odds of getting breast cancer increased dramatically the longer women wore bras.
The study concluded that the constricting effect of bras suppressed the lymphatic system below the armpits, blocking a network of vessels supposed to flush toxic wastes from the body.
Saylan's patients have all been happy with their surgery, but some experts advise caution.
Mike Bowen, a gynaecologist in London, believes the implants could lead to less attractive breasts in the long run.
"It is well known that titanium meshes can lead to fibrosis in the tissue - unsightly lumps and bumps," he says.
Another potential problem is called erosion - the mesh works its way through the fat and starts poking through the skin.
More seriously, all implants increase the risk of infection.
Breast tissue can die if the blood supply is interrupted, leaving scarring.
Says Bowen: "Titanium is not biodegradable and stays in place permanently. It will be difficult to remove if things go wrong. Women may gain weight or change body shape as they get older. With a conventional bra, you can just buy a different size. A titanium implant cannot be swopped for a D cup".
He also dismisses the idea that conventional bras could lead to back problems and even cancer.
"I've never heard of a well-fitting bra causing health problems and they are actually quite attractive items of clothing".
Selma S, 38, is a beauty therapist in Dusseldorf. She is divorced and was one of the first women to have the procedure.
"I was unhappy with the shape of my breasts.
"They used to be quite firm, but I went on a diet and lost weight.
"I was very happy with my new trim figure, but I noticed my breasts were hanging down. I had a boyfriend who made a jokey comment, which really hurt.
I was so self-conscious I would hide my breasts under baggy clothes. It got to a point that I would take my clothes off only in a darkened room. Wearing a bikini on the beach was out of the question.
"When I went to see Dr Saylan he showed me a computer reconstruction of my new breasts, to make sure they were what I wanted.
"Before I decided to go ahead, he warned me the titanium bra can make it difficult to feel small breast tumours, so it's really important that I have regular mammograms and ultrasound examinations at least twice a year.
"The operation itself went really well.
"There were no complications and no pain. I was back at work in a week, although I had to wear a special sports bra with lots of support for 10 weeks until the swelling was gone.
"I work in the beauty industry and I know that it is natural for someone to desire a better body. The operation has changed my life and I feel a lot better about myself".
(Thanks to JedH!)
By Thea Jordan
A doctor in Germany has invented the world's first titanium bra - and it's meant to be worn under the skin.
Dr Ziya Saylan, president of the European Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, has developed a technique to implant cups of titanium mesh under the breasts.
They are then attached to the patient's ribs and muscle. The effect is claimed to be instant, youthful-looking boobs with invisible lift.
'A woman with these implants will never have to wear a bra again'
In the past four months, more than two dozen women have undergone the procedure, which costs the equivalent of R47 000.
"The advantage is that a woman with these implants will never have to wear a bra again," says Saylan. The surgical technique is unique to Germany at the moment, but is expected to become available elsewhere in due course.
Titanium is flexible, but extremely strong. It is completely inert, so will not cause an allergic reaction in the body, and Saylan claims it will never sag.
The procedure, which can be done at the same time as a silicone implant to increase the size of the breast, is performed under general anaesthetic. Saylan, 55, says most patients are women between 30 and 45 who have developed sagging breasts after childbirth or weight loss.
Older patients are less suited for the procedure because their skin might have lost some of its elasticity.
'After a short while you will not even know it is there'
At the start of the 90-minute operation, the patient is placed in a sitting position so the breasts hang down over the chest.
A semicircular cut is made around each nipple and space is made for the implants between the glandular tissue of the breast and the fat just under the skin.
Dr Saylan says it is important not to damage the fat layer, because otherwise the implant may show through.
The titanium mesh, which weighs just 35g and is as thin as net curtains, is cut to size and moulded into a cup shape. It is flexible enough to be rolled up and inserted through the small incision round the nipple and then manoeuvred gently into place.
The implant is held in place by stitches that attach it to the breastbone and the pectoral muscles.
These dissolve after 10 weeks, when it has already fused with surrounding tissue. Patients stay in hospital over-night but can be back at work after a week.
"At first, the breast is tender to touch," says Saylan, "but after a short while you will not even know it is there".
Scarring is minimal because it is disguised around the nipple.
Afterwards, the breasts are higher and firmer, because the tissue is compacted into the titanium cup.
Apart from the cos-metic effect, patients who go bra-less could get health benefits, too.
An American survey of almost 5 000 women showed the odds of getting breast cancer increased dramatically the longer women wore bras.
The study concluded that the constricting effect of bras suppressed the lymphatic system below the armpits, blocking a network of vessels supposed to flush toxic wastes from the body.
Saylan's patients have all been happy with their surgery, but some experts advise caution.
Mike Bowen, a gynaecologist in London, believes the implants could lead to less attractive breasts in the long run.
"It is well known that titanium meshes can lead to fibrosis in the tissue - unsightly lumps and bumps," he says.
Another potential problem is called erosion - the mesh works its way through the fat and starts poking through the skin.
More seriously, all implants increase the risk of infection.
Breast tissue can die if the blood supply is interrupted, leaving scarring.
Says Bowen: "Titanium is not biodegradable and stays in place permanently. It will be difficult to remove if things go wrong. Women may gain weight or change body shape as they get older. With a conventional bra, you can just buy a different size. A titanium implant cannot be swopped for a D cup".
He also dismisses the idea that conventional bras could lead to back problems and even cancer.
"I've never heard of a well-fitting bra causing health problems and they are actually quite attractive items of clothing".
Selma S, 38, is a beauty therapist in Dusseldorf. She is divorced and was one of the first women to have the procedure.
"I was unhappy with the shape of my breasts.
"They used to be quite firm, but I went on a diet and lost weight.
"I was very happy with my new trim figure, but I noticed my breasts were hanging down. I had a boyfriend who made a jokey comment, which really hurt.
I was so self-conscious I would hide my breasts under baggy clothes. It got to a point that I would take my clothes off only in a darkened room. Wearing a bikini on the beach was out of the question.
"When I went to see Dr Saylan he showed me a computer reconstruction of my new breasts, to make sure they were what I wanted.
"Before I decided to go ahead, he warned me the titanium bra can make it difficult to feel small breast tumours, so it's really important that I have regular mammograms and ultrasound examinations at least twice a year.
"The operation itself went really well.
"There were no complications and no pain. I was back at work in a week, although I had to wear a special sports bra with lots of support for 10 weeks until the swelling was gone.
"I work in the beauty industry and I know that it is natural for someone to desire a better body. The operation has changed my life and I feel a lot better about myself".
(Thanks to JedH!)
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