Due to high costs, potential health complications and oftentimes undesirable results of breast augmentation surgery, more and more women are turning to natural breast enhancement methods. Although not all of the natural enhancers on the market are effective, there are some that have actually yielded significant results, with mounting anecdotal evidence of their efficacy.

Most women are unaware of the health risks and costs involved with augmentation surgery. They are so consumed with increasing the size of their bust, that they do not consider the many side effects that can arise, the tens of thousands of dollars they will have to spend and the potential for a botched surgery that could leave them scarred for life.

Following are some facts to consider when it comes to breast augmentation surgery:

• Implants will not last a lifetime, and you will most likely have to have them removed at some point due to a rupture, leak or other problem.
• You will most likely need additional operations to address a health issue which has arisen from a complication from the surgery.
• Oftentimes the result of surgery is cosmetically undesirable, and cannot be reversed. (We've all seen pictures of botched implant surgeries)
• There is well-documented evidence of breast pain, asymmetry, loss of nipple sensitivity, ruptures, deflation and infections, among other local complications.

So as you can see, breast augmentation surgery might not be the best choice for you. Of course, it is the surest way to increase the size of your bust, but at what price? That's why natural breast enhancement might be a better option.

There are a number of natural enhancers currently on the market, including a variety of supplements, creams, pumps and other products. However, most of them do not work at all, which is why natural breast enhancement products as a whole are viewed unfavorably.

Pumps and similar products yield temporary results, producing a swelling effect that is passed off as breast enhancement. After a few minutes, breast size returns to normal, and you are right back where you started from.

Breast enhancing/firming creams usually contain a blend of natural herbal extracts with estrogenic compounds that purportedly stimulate new breast tissue growth. The problem is that most of these products do not contain enough active ingredient to have any real effect on breast tissue. Moreover, most breast creams do not contain the delivery system necessary to bring these stimulating ingredients across the skin barrier, even if they do contain significant amounts of these herbal extracts. At best they will cause a temporary swelling due to a reaction to the product.

Breast enhancement supplements are another option, and these appear to be the most promising alternative to breast augmentation surgery. Like breast creams, these supplements contain a number of specialized herbs such as fenugeek, fennel seed, dong quai root, dandelion root, watercress and kelp. However, since they are ingested rather than applied topically, herbal breast enhancement supplements can be much more effective than creams, especially if they contain ingredients to enhance absorption.

Although more studies need to be conducted, there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence pointing to the effectiveness of herbal breast enhancement supplements. Many women have in fact achieved significant results. If future research does support the use of these supplements, women will finally have a safe, viable alternative to breast augmentation surgery.

Please be sure to consult your physician before choosing between breast augmentation surgery and natural breast enhancement. He or she will help you make an informed decision.

David Bloom is an avid health enthusiast and editor of several health sites, including Natural Breast Enhancement which discusses all of the options when it comes to breast augmentation and Skin Site covering skin diseases, treatments and natural skin care.