Thanks to media coverage and, of course, myriad celebrities who have undergone the surgeon’s knife, most of us are aware of some of the most common reasons given by women who undergo breast augmentation from enlarging the breasts to make the body more overtly sexy, or reshaping and enlarging breasts that have lost their shape and volume due to breast-feeding.

But, did you know that one of the most common “hates” women have about their breasts is asymmetry – breasts that differ in shape and size - that for some can be very pronounced? According to a recent poll conducted by Mentor Medical Systems, one of the global market leaders in the manufacture of aesthetic products, millions of women are suffering self-image agony – because of breast asymmetry. In the poll, 1 in 10 claimed a whole cup size difference, while almost a third admitted that one breast sat lower. Perhaps shockingly, more than a third “feel depressed” when they think about their breasts. This, they say, contributes to a lack of confidence that stops them fully enjoying their lives.

The survey goes on to reveal one in five undresses in the dark or away from their partner, almost 40 per cent said they won’t wear a bikini in public, over a quarter said it stopped them from going jogging or to the gym, 22 per cent said it prevented them from being “carefree” during sex, and a shy 7 per cent said it stopped them socialising.

Consultant Mr David Ross, who runs a practice in Harley Street, said: “No woman has perfectly matching breasts. In some this is barely perceptible, whereas in others it is more pronounced. A whole cup-size is quite common. It is a question of what is an acceptable difference, ie if it is noticeable. There is no doubt that breast asymmetry can have a profound effect on many women’s quality of life. For these women it is important to correct this, which is why they opt for surgery.”

Now, at last, there is help to redress Mother Nature’s imperfections. The new Spectra™ Adjustable Gel Implant has been pioneered by Mentor Medical Systems, specifically to address the problem of moderate asymmetry. No other company manufactures this kind of prosthetic. This state-of-the-art high profile, round implant, quite literally a sac-within-a-sac, is comprised of Mentor’s own Siltexä textured silicone outer-casing. The crucial adjustable inner chamber, or “lumen”, is filled with saline solution and has a self-sealing valve system. The surgeon is able, while the patient is on the operating table, to top up the volume of saline, gently and safely increasing breast size. When he is happy with the symmetry, the surgeon can simply pull the port tubing and complete his wound/skin closure.

David Ross adds, “What the development of the Spectra has done is to address the main patient concerns. They are more aesthetically pleasing, in other words, more natural looking and they feel better.

“From the surgeon’s perspective, the main advantage of the Spectra is that intra-operatively – while the patient is on the operating table - they allow you to make very fine adjustments to balance breast size, with all the benefits and product quality of gel implants. There is a greater degree of finesse without compromising the aesthetic requirement and comfort of the patient.”

ABOUT MENTOR .
Mentor is a leading supplier of medical products for the global aesthetic market. The company develops, manufactures, and markets innovative, science-based products for surgical and non-surgical medical procedures that allow patients to retain a more youthful appearance and improve their quality of life. For over 30 years the company has adhered to the highest standards of safety in manufacturing, testing and clinical trials for silicone and saline breast implants for use in both breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. Mentor is consistently recognised by physicians and surgeons throughout the world for outstanding product integrity.

It is Mentor’s philosophy that the decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery should be reached by both patient and physician based on a woman’s own personal needs, desires and informed expectations. For all women considering surgery, Mentor Medical Systems offers a comprehensive on-line service that provides wide-ranging information on all Mentor implant products; explanations of the options regarding implant styles and type; pre and post operative advice; who is and is not a candidate and why; advice on potential contraindications; where to find a surgeon and Ask Diane – a link detailing FAQs and offering potential patients an opportunity to have individual questions and concerns answered by Mentor’s medical professionals. Mentor has also recently set up a special advice site, loveyourlook.com to augment its own on-line site, where patients can find candid first-person stories from women who have, themselves, already undergone surgery using Mentor implants; before-and-after pictures as well as the Loveyourlook.com Body Model, a body imagining option to illustrate how they may look post-operation.

For the physician, Mentor believes successful procedures strike a balance between selecting an implant most appropriate to body type and addressing patient expectations. By offering a choice in firmness, size, profile and texture, Mentor provides surgeons more opportunities for success and options to achieve the best for their patients.

David Ross is based at Plastic Surgery W.1. Ltd., 14 Queen Anne Street, LONDON, W1G 9LG., www.plasticsurgeryw1.com

Mentor Medical Systems, Elizabeth House, 13-19 London Road, Newbury, Berks. RG14 1JL.
Tel: 01635 511800

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