Breasts change throughout life
Breasts not only develop differently from woman to woman, they continue to change shape and size throughout a person's life. The right breast is not even necessarily the same size as the left. Breasts can start developing from the age of 10 and continue growing and changing shape all through puberty. Their final shape and size depends more or less on inherited characteristics, but a mother and daughter's breasts can develop completely differently.

Is it possible to change the size of my breasts?
One thing is common for all women: there is no medicine of any kind, no work-out machine nor exercise of any kind, which will significantly change the shape or size of a woman's breasts. Only in special medical cases can a hormone supplement be used to make breasts grow. Birth control pills may give the feeling of a larger bosom, but it is only during pregnancy and when a woman is breastfeeding that her breasts may grow visibly.

Silicone implants - are they an option?
Women who are very unhappy with their breast size or shape, or who have had part of a breast removed as a result of cancer, may decide to have silicone implants. For many it is a costly and often painful operation, but it is becoming more common. Plastic surgeons have become very skillful in this field so the results are usually satisfactory. However, there have been several health scares as a result of implants. Some women claim the silicone has leaked and caused related health problems, but these claims have not been medically proven.

How is the operation performed?
The implants are placed on the chest under the muscles, which leaves the breast tissue untouched and also means that the nipples will stay in natural contact with the gland tissue. The implants are inserted under the skin, with the exact location depending on the size and shape of the breasts. Some women go to hospital for the operation, whereas others are treated as outpatients but rely on receiving rest and care at home. The operation is performed under full anaesthetic.

Most women have to pay for the operation (unless they have breast cancer), which varies in price from practice to practice. An average cost in the UK is about £2,000.

Women considering the operation should contact their own doctor first, who will give advice and guidance.

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