Breast enlargement with implants is one of the most common cosmetic operations. However, for the best results it needs to be planned and carried out with care and skill. It is an operation for women who want larger breasts, who would like to improve their breast symmetry or who would like to replace breast tissue which has been lost as a result of pregnancy, breast feeding or weight loss.
Breast implants can:
- Increase size
- Change shape
- Improve symmetry
How would Breast Enlargement (Augmentation) benefit me?
Are you unhappy with the size or shape of your breasts? When you are shopping for clothes or planning an outfit for a special event are you restricted in the choice of style due to the size of your bust? Perhaps pregnancy has changed your shape and you would like to regain your pre-pregnancy silhouette? There are many reasons why breast enlargement is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the UK. We cannot claim that it will be a life changing option for you but we do know that this surgery has improved the confidence and self-esteem of many of our clients.
Rhinoplasty before / after pictures
Breast Enlargement Surgery Consultation
An initial consultation will give you the opportunity to talk about what you want to change and what result you would like to achieve. Your breasts and skin will be examined carefully. A full medical history will be taken to assess your suitability for surgery and your options will be discussed.
To achieve the best results breast enlargement surgery may need to be combined with a breast lift (mastopexy).
What type of implants are used?
We use only high quality silicone implants with 10 year manufacturer’s guarantees. Silicone gel gives a natural, breast-like feel.
Implants can be either round or teardrop shaped (anatomic) to give different end results. Round implants aim to create a rounder, fuller upper part of the breast when viewed from the side whereas a teardrop shaped implant will give a more natural, flatter look to the top of the breast
Implants can be placed under the breast or under the muscle Individuals with more breast tissue can have breast implants placed under the breast. Those who are very slim or have less natural breast tissue may be best with implants under the muscle. The muscle helps to cover the upper part of the implant, keeping a natural look. The right placement will give the best look.
The surface of the implant can be either smooth or textured (slightly rough). Texturing was developed to reduce the risk of capsular contracture, where the body walls the implant off in a hard, tight shell. Texturing lowers the chance of this if the implant is placed under the breast but under the muscle. Round implants can be smooth or textured, but teardrop shaped implants are always textured to prevent them turning upside down.
Texturing has been found to be linked with 2 rare types of breast cancer, Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (BIA-ALCL and BIA-SCC). The risk of BIA-ALCL is low, at around 1 in 16,000. BIA-SCC is even rarer, with only around 20 cases ever found in millions of women with breast implants. However, neither cancer has yet been found in women with smooth implants. So, round, smooth implants under the muscle can help reduce any worry.
If your breasts are particularly droopy and particularly if the nipples lie low you may need a breast lift (mastopexy) as well as an enlargement. A mastopexy lifts the nipple and tightens the skin, ensuring the breast sits correctly in relation to the implant and enhancing the overall look of your breasts. It can be carried out at the same time as the enlargement or separately.
Breast Enlargement Procedure
Breast enlargement is performed under general anaesthetic and takes approximately one to one and a half hours. The implant is put in through a in the fold under the breast. Through this a pocket is made to fit the chosen implant. The cut is closed with dissolving stitches then paper stitches and a dressing are placed on top.
Breast Enlargement Recovery and Aftercare
Breast augmentation is usually a day case procedure. If it is done later in the day or you are slow to wake up from the anaesthetic then sometimes you need to stay overnight. It is important to keep your dressings dry until a nurse removes them and checks the wounds, usually around 10 days after surgery. You should wear a sports bra day and night for 6 weeks for support. Some swelling is normal and usually settles over the first few months. It is usually possible to return to work after the first week or two although if your work involves heavy lifting you should avoid this for six weeks. Heavy activity and sport should be avoided for 6 weeks. Follow up appointments will be scheduled to check on your progress.
Risks associated with Breast Enlargement Surgery
Breast Enlargement / Augmentation Before and After Pictures
This patient chose 350 cc (ml) round, smooth implants under the muscle. They were put in through a cut in the crease below the breast, which was lowered to keep the implants in the right place behind the nipple.