Revolutionary New Option for Women Considering Breast Implants

Considering breast implants?

Now is the time, according to surgeons conducting a clinical trial for the Ideal Implant, a hybrid design, combining both silicone gel and saline. Participation in the 10-year trial gives enrollees a bonus -- a lump-sum payment to a trust fund that pays for the surgery in the long run.

"This is the first improvement in the basic design of the saline-filled breast implant since it was introduced over 30 years ago,'' Dr. Jay Calvert of Beverly Hills, Calif., one of the surgeons involved in the program, said in a prepared statement. "While other manufacturers have focused only on silicone gel, this breast implant company clearly listened to patients -- women who have clearly expressed their desire for an improved saline-filled breast implant.''

The new implant was developed after years of testing and contributions from women and plastic surgeons, according to a news release. Externally, it resembles a standard saline implant, but the edges have been lowered to meet the chest wall. Internally, it contains a series of additional shells that are nested together. Unlike older versions, the new structure is engineered to allow for movement of the saline, to reduce bouncing and to support the implant edges, which minimizes unattractive wrinkling often associated with standard implants.

"It's really designed to give mental comfort and peace of mind that [recipients of breast augmentation] don't have with silicone, which can rupture and disseminate into the lymph nodes and cause problems. This would just release salt water into the blood stream that is absorbed by the body. It looks natural and the patients are happy.''

Only plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons were selected to serve as investigators in the FDA-approved trial.

Although women in the enrolled in the trial do have to pay the estimated $7,500 for the surgery, they will receive a payment of $3,500 from Ideal Implant Incorporated. Based on historical market returns, the investment could increase to $12,000 over the life of the 10-year-study. The study allows for 500 participants of which 200 slots remain, Calvert said. For more information, consult the Ideal's Web site.

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Then & Now: From Itty Bitty to Busty

Have your favorite stars gotten a little plumping action in their plastic surgeon's office? They say photos don't lie...

Text by Angela Bronner Helm, Photo editor, Jyothy Karat

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The College Survival Guide

A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.

Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.

Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.

Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.

MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.

Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age

Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.

Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.

Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.

Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!

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