I'm not particularly a breast man, but being single and middle-aged in Southern California, many of the single women in my age group have the money, and also the desire, to enhance their breasts. As a result, I've dated many women in the last dozen years who have had the procedure.
The earlier women all had silicone, the later ones, saline. Here's a newsflash- they all loved them, none of them had any problems or complications, and they all said they would do it again. That's covers a range of women from secretaries, to the wife of an OB/GYN (I didn't date her, she's a friend), and a woman with a Ph.D in Health Psychology.
The key is to have realistic expectations (you already do), and to find a reputable surgeon (the most important factor). You need a very experienced plastic surgeon who has done hundreds of these procedures, not a dozen on the side. Surprisingly, the specialized training requirements to perform some plastic surgery isn't as great as one might think. Most surgeons are competent and consciencous, but a few slip by, and they cause 95% of the problems. If you live in a smaller town, make the trip to the big city and get an expert. Don't be the third procedure performed by the guy in Cedar Rapids who wants to get started in the business. Save your money, go with quality.
Despite the rap against silicone, it is saline that is famous for making breast appearance look hard. Silicone flows and looks more natural, saline is water in a bag and it's less viscous and compressible. The situation is made worse for both types if you go too large. If there isn't enough breast tissue to cover the implant, it looks very fake- typically, like it's about to explode. The porn star look (a big set of tits, fast and cheap, so the girl can get some roles) is what has given breast augmentation a bad name. Some of what you see on video is sad, especially some of the girls from European countries where the experience level is less. I know literally dozens of civilan women in Southern California whose breasts both look and feel great. Some of these women have had their implants nearly 20 years now without problems.
The other breakthrough, as you no doubt have learned from your research, is the submuscular implant which is the only way to go at this point. The addidition of muscle tissue over the implant, not only gives it a more natural, smoother look (due to a thicker covering of tissue), but it also means it will never sag. When implants were first used, the implant was placed directly under the skin, and skin being what it is, eventually it would sag under its own weight.
The only other consideration- and this is between you and your surgeon based on many factors- is where the incision would be made. I've known women who have had under the arm, bellly button, and under the breast. I don't personaly know any who have done around the nipple (my least favorite due to the inevitable scar in the most noticeable place). Of the types I mentioned, the under the breast scar was the least desirable. It's almost impossible for a surgeon to precisely gauge the line of the new breast, so hiding the scar in the fold of the skin is nearly always hit or miss. I've seen some that were off by an inch or more, and with the bigger implants favored by the porns stars, there is no fold at all. I just don't think it's the best way to go, but it is the easiest, which is why it's done. But this gets back to finding the most skilled surgeon possible. They can perform the more difficult procedures with excellent results- there's no excuse anymore to have a big scar.
Finally, after all the scare and hysteria regarding silicone, several long-term studies have now failed to find a connection with silicone and all the things it was being blamed for causing. Cause and effect can be difficult to determine, especially in medical situations. Nobody denies some women had symptoms, but the issue is whether they were caused by implants. My sister had all the same symptoms and her health sucks, but she's never had implants, smoked or drank- so you have to keep your wits about you in these matters and not be ruled by fear and emotion. Silicone is being re-introduced in the near future, but I don't think it's available yet. Your doc will know the details and what he wants to use.
For some reason, the subject of breast implants is like the subject of child birth. Everybody wants to tell you about a friend of a friend's cousin and her horror story (witness this thread). People seem obligated to hunt down pregnant women and scare the shit out of them for some perverse reason. Well, most childbirth, and most implants are non-events despite the myths and urban legends. My friend with the ob/gyn husband wouldn't have gone ahead if he'd thought there was a risk (it was she who wanted the implants, he was happy with the "A" cups). Just keep a cool head, do your research and enjoy your new look. I hope that helps.
-- Modified on 8/22/2003 12:42:45 PM
Of course, its your body and your choice. If we where afraid of risks, we would not hobby, now would we?