Surgery News : Bust boom: all for that sexy look

Pamela Anderson did it, so did Madonna. Now, thanks to the recent re-approval of silicone breast implants by the FDA after a gap of 13 years, bust lines are set to get a lift.

The FDA's new position on the use of silicone is important because this is the age of sexual imagery.

As Mallika Sherawat says: "Men like talking to my breasts"

Fact is, the obsession with an ample bustline dates back to 1858, when Anne McLean of Williamsburg, NY, invented what may be the first patented American falsie - a cone-shaped wire device that intimidated her husband.

Such preoccupation with female curves might have a purpose. "Women should look sexy and feminine. I like models with shapely bosoms walking the ramp," says Rohit Bal. "I know many models who have stuffed silicone in their breasts."

According to the Society of Plastic Surgeons, post-Pamela Anderson and Carmen Electra, the number of women undergoing breast augmentation surgery is growing at an incredible pace.

In 1992, 32,607 women underwent the surgery, but by 2002, this number had jumped to 2.5 million:

A 593 per cent jump in 10 years with 19-34 year-olds being responsible for 25 per cent of the procedures despite the whopping cost: USD 3,375. The US cashed in on USD 857 million for breast implants in 2003.

Is breast enhancement popular in India too?

"Unlike in the UK and US, we don't maintain breast-implant registers. Breast augmentation is a taboo in India. Another deterrent is the cost. A breast implant can cost anything between Rs 35,000 and Rs 50,000," says Sunil Choudhary, a consultant with Max Health Care.

However, there are cosmetic surgeons like SB Gogia who have done more than 65 such jobs, because as he says, when it comes to the feminine mystique, nothing spells success like DD-cups.

"Most patients ask for a very large breast size," he clarifies

So, what exactly can silicone do for you?

"The look and feel of silicone-studded breasts are so natural that you have to touch them to tell," says Bal.

A cosmetic surgeon reveals: "We do import silicone implants. Even though they were banned in the US, they were used in the UK, Israel, New Zealand and Australia."

Neither the implants imported nor medical procedure involved are monitored in India.

"We don't require any monitoring body as they are already certified by the authorities concerned in the countries of their origin," says Gogia.

Is it okay to have silicone assets?

Psychiatrist Sanjay Chugh offers an explanation for this phenomenon: "Women who go for breast augmentation usually have low self esteem and confidence.

They believe that their only appeal lies in their physical appearance. Relationship problems with the spouse are also a factor when it comes to feeling inadequate."