She says that the procedure wasn't linked to depression or low self-esteem. Rather, she was hoping to work her way into Bollywood, and her small breast size caused much concern. "I was always told that my future was in high fashion, because I didn't have the body for Bollywood. While they didn't come out and say I needed bigger boobs, it was pretty obvious. So, I got them done, and voila, within a year I was getting commercial modelling opportunities and small movie roles. It hasn't increased my confidence or anything, but it's definitely helped me professionally."

While this actress is happy with her more modest C cup, Dr Dixit says he sees a whole range of sizes. "There's this common perception: Bigger is better," he says. "But that's not always necessarily the case. You must factor in a patient's build and her requirements. How wide are her hips? Her shoulders?"

But is it safe?

In every surgical procedure, there are inherent risks. Most people are hesitant to 'go under the knife', even when it is medically necessary. Cosmetic surgery, however, is just that -- cosmetic. It's not necessary to sustain health or treat disease, and therefore, taking the leap is even harder to justify.

During the breast augmentation procedure, the patient is put to sleep using anesthetic drugs. Measuring the proper dosage can be very difficult for anesthesiologists because each person reacts differently. Dr Desai says that advances in anesthesiology have been tremendous. "Whereas you used to be knocked out for a whole day and feel groggy and queasy the next, now the whole process takes 6 to 8 hours, and you're discharged the same day; the understanding of anesthesia has improved greatly, along with the quality of the gases."

Caption: British model Katie Price aka Jordan has gone under the knife not once but several times. Big is beautiful, she says. Photograph: MJ Kim/Getty Images

Also see: Eva Longoria's sexy slimming secrets

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