cosmeticcompare.com

14th December 2009

Sheyla Hershey of Brazil (pictured), with 38KKK breasts, is the holder of the world's largest breasts. Her implants are 5.5 litre (5,500 cc) saline implants. Sheyla has had over 30 breast augmentations, mainly in Brazil where there are no restrictions on the size of implants that are allowed in breast augmentations. In her surgery to break the world record, her breast implants were inserted using the periareolar incision.

Past & Present Trends

As breast enlargement prices started to fall and cosmetic surgery become widely available, large breast augmentation sizes were quite popular. There were many who became famous because of their very large implants such as Lolo Ferrari and Maxi Mounds. The public and the media were fascinated with these extreme implants. Although some women today still choose extreme implants, the trend has been a move towards smaller breast enlargements, providing a more natural look.

How Big is Big?

The main physical factor that determines how big breast implants can be and still look natural, is the breast base diameter; this is where the breast meets the chest. However, with very large and extreme implants, the physical constraints are exceeded and the breasts will look unnatural on even the largest of physical frames.

Very large implants applies for sizes of around 600cc and upwards and extreme implants are around 1000cc and upwards. These implant sizes are usually achieved with saline filled implants rather than with silicone. Expandable saline breast implants are used which have a valve attached to allow them to be topped up with additional saline solution without additional surgery. The patient will return after the initial surgery, at several intervals, in order for more saline solution to be added. Typically around 50cc is added each time. This will allow the skin and natural breast tissue to stretch gradually.

Issues With Extreme Breast Implants

Big breast implants can cause big problems. Their additional size and weight can cause increased surgical risks and additional stress on the body which is exacerbated by gravity. In addition, there are practical issues to consider.

Increased Surgical Risks

Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries several risks. Some of these risks are increased when large implants are used, in particular the following:

• Capsular contracture
• Implant rupture
• Ridges & rippling
• Symmastia (uniboob)
• Bottoming out
• Implant folds (where the implant folds in itself)
• Haematoma
• Restricted breast feeding with implants; in particular due to compression atrophy of the milk ducts as a result of the pressure of the implant upon them
• Extended breast augmentation surgery recovery period

Size & Weight Related Issues

In addition to the increased risks above, the following issues and complications may arise as a result of the additional stress to the body of supporting very large implants:

• Back & neck pain
• Sagging breasts
• Stretch marks in the skin around the implants
• Stretched and baggy skin on the breasts

Practical Issues

• Being easily noticed; although this is perhaps part of the desired effect, it may lead to undesired attention
• Difficulty with being able to buy clothes that fit; bras, tops, jackets and coats etc.
• Restricted freedom of movement
• Restricted exercise and participation in active sports