Is there such a thing as non-surgical breast enlargement? I was recently informed that collagen injections could do the trick. Does it work and who is qualified to perform this?
J.S.

Dear J.S.,
Seeking breast enlargement is usually due to lack of self-confidence. The need to ‘appear’ normal in today’s body fitting clothing pressures women to seek breast-enhancing options. Aware of this, many solutions have been provided by the beauty industry. Anything non-surgical is often the first option as many are wary of breast implants. Creams, massaging techniques, pumps etc. can produce temporary enlargement but you would have to keep doing it to maintain the size. Injecting the breast with artificial materials has also been an option, but to define it as non-surgical is a misnomer. Any injection is invasive!

Collagen injections are very useful for filling defects on the face and they are expensive. The idea that collagen can be used to augment the breast is surprising. Most often the material injected is silicone and the ensuing complications may include removing the breast (mastectomy) due to infection etc. A recent Chinese product, Amazing Gel, has been banned due to complications. (Read www.physorg.com/news68374349.html).

Seek proper advice before pursuing the ‘injection’ route. It would be better to consult a plastic surgeon about breast implants rather than inject ‘free’ materials into the breast. Please refer to the back of the magazine for the plastic surgeon listing or visit Malaysian Association of Plastic, Aesthetic & Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons website (www.mapacs.com/directory.htm).