Breast augmentation means enlargement of the size of the breasts.
The operation is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures.
Why would you want your breasts enlarged?
You feel that your breasts are smaller than you would like them
to be.
Your breasts may have lost volume (fullness) and sag or droop
after breast feeding.
Your breasts may be unequal in size or shape.
It may be part of breast reconstruction following cancer operations.
Breast Augmentation
Breast Enlargement
What is used to enlarge the breasts?
To enlarge the breasts, breast implants are used. All breast
implants have an outer silicone shell but what is contained
inside differs.
The most commonly used in the United Kingdom contains
silicone. Other contents which are used include saline (salty
water), triglycerides (fat).
Silicone filled breast implants have stood the test of time and
give the best overall results.
Where will the cut be made on the skin to put in the implant?
The most commonly used incision is one underneath the
breasts called a submammary incision. It can also be inserted
from incisions around the area surrounding the nipple (areola),
or through the armpit.
How is it performed?
Once the incision has been made, a pocket is created for the
insertion of the implant. Absorbable sutures are used to close
the wounds.
Will the implant be under or above the muscle?
Breast implants can either be put directly underneath the breast
tissue itself or underneath the muscle. Each plane has its own
advantages and disadvantages. This will be discussed during the
consultation to decide on the best plane to put the implant in
other to give you the most desired result.
How long does the operation last?
The operation is usually 1 to 1 ˝ hours.
How long will I be in hospital?
This is usually as a day case or on overnight stay.
What care will I receive afterwards?
Usually antibiotics are started during the operation and for a short
period afterwards to reduce the risk of infection. Pain relief
medication will be provided should you need it.
Following your operation we will fit you with a support bra. This supports the
weight of the implants and helps reduce any discomfort. The bra should be worn
for six weeks.
Are breast implants safe?
In the United Kingdom, an ‘Independent Review
Group‘ was set up by the government to assess the
concerns and controversies over the safety of
silicone breast implants. They did not find sufficient
scientific evidence to support the concerns held in
the USA over their safety. (In the USA there has been
a ban in the use of silicone breast implants for
cosmetic breast augmentation since 1992.)
More information can be found at
www.silicone-review.gov.uk
How long would they last?
It is generally stated that the life span for most implants is about ten to fifteen years
How long will I be off work?
There may be period of discomfort in the first few days but after about a week most people should be able to go back to work.
Heavy lifting is generally not advised for a good 4 - 6 weeks especially if it has been a submuscular implantation.
What are the problems that can arise?
Most patients who have this operation are usually very pleased and heal completely
but occasionally there can be problems as with any surgical procedure, such as
haematoma (collection of blood) or fluid collection (seroma) requiring evacuation
and infection. Other problems include adverse capsular contracture or bad
capsule formation, rupture, wrinkling and changes in the nipple sensation. This
will be discussed with you during the consultation so you can make a
fully informed decision.
Rarely an infection of the implant will necessitate removal to allow complete
recovery of the tissues before re-insertion can take place after about three months.