BREAST
ENLARGEMENT
What does the surgery involve?
Breast implants are inserted through an incision made in the crease underneath the breast. They are placed either in front or behind the muscle, or a combination of the two (dual plane).
Breast implants will fill out lax breast tissue and can lift up the nipple by approximately 2 cm. However, if the breast tissue needs further tightening then a mastopexy procedure may be required in addition to the augmentation.
The procedure takes an hour to perform and is most commonly performed under a general anaesthetic (you will be fully unconscious during the procedure). You are likely to stay in hospital for one night, although, on occasions, you may be able to go home the same day as your surgery.
You will feel stiff and sore for a few days. Expect the most discomfort to be within the first 72 hours. Usually only simple pain killers are all that is required.
What types of implants are there?
Breast implants are available in a variety of types, with different shapes and sizes. Some are round and some are more of a teardrop shape. Implants are made of an outer casing of silicone or polyurethane and filled with a silicone gel. For more information please see my guide below on implant selection.
Selection of the correct size and shape of implant will be done with you at your first appointment. Using Crisalix, we can create a 3D image and you can see yourself and compare simulations with what you may look like after surgery. This experience is enhanced by using Virtual Reality goggles. We can then see what different implant sizes and shapes will look like on you. You will then be able to use the sizing kit to confirm this. If you need further clarification you can try different implant sizes yourself at home using the ‘rice test’. It is important that you take your time in deciding what shape and size of implant you would like. We will help guide you with this decision.
How long do breast implants last?
Implants are designed to last for a lifetime and do not necessarily need replacing after a fixed period of time. However, they may still need to be changed at a later date if there is a problem. It is recommended that you have an ultrasound or MRI of your breast implants every 10 years just to confirm that they haven’t ruptured.
I only use implants that carry a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer. However, should the implants require replacement in the future, this guarantee only covers the cost of the replacement implants but not the cost of surgery.
What are the risks and side effects of surgery?
Having cosmetic surgery can be a very positive experience. Complications are infrequent and usually minor. However no surgery is without risk and you should be aware of any possible problems.
Scars
Scars are hidden in the crease under the breast and tend to settle remarkably well, so that the scars are barely perceptible. However some people heal with thick scars and this can make them more noticeable.
Bruising and swelling
Swelling is very common and may take a couple of weeks to settle. Bruising is less common.
Haematoma
This can happen if a bleed occurs in the breast pocket, allowing a large blood clot to form. If this does occur, it is likely to be within four to six hours of surgery. Any increase in swelling or pain should be reported immediately so that treatment can be given. Sometimes patients need to have this blood removed with another short operation.
Infection
On the rare occasion when infection occurs, the breast implant may have to be removed to allow this to settle. The implant will be replaced once the infection has settled. You will be given antibiotics to cover you during the post operative period in order to prevent infection.
Rotation/displacement
Occasionally implants can sit in the wrong position or move position in the post-operative period. This may need a further procedure to return the implants to the correct position.
Numbness, reduced sensation or oversensitivity
This can occur in the nipple or breast. This is usually temporary, but occasionally these changes can remain to some degree.
Implant rippling or wrinkling
This can be more of a problem in very slim patients or those who have very little breast tissue. However, the chances are reduced if the implant is placed behind the chest muscles.
Asymmetry
Each breast is slightly different and will continue to be following surgery; they are ‘sisters’ and not ‘twins’.
Rupture
The implants I use are all guaranteed for your lifetime. However, as a medical product, they can still fail. If an implant is known to have ruptured then it should be removed. The ruptured implant is contained within the capsule of scar tissue so it will not ‘spill out’ into your breast tissue.
Capsular contracture
Following breast augmentation, the body makes a capsule of scar tissue around the implant. Sometimes this tissue can shrink and contract (capsular contracture). If this happens, it can make the breasts feel abnormally hard and may require further surgery to remove the capsule. Many studies show that the risk of this is approximately 20% after 10 years with standard implants and 1% with polyurethane implants.
DVT/PE
Following any surgical procedure it is possible to develop a blood clot in your legs, which could potentially break off and move to your lungs. If the blood clot is large enough it could prove fatal. In order to reduce any risks of this we give you special stockings to wear in bed and a blood thinning injection if you are not mobile.
Stretching of your breast tissue
The larger the implant you choose, the more likely it is to stretch your skin with time and this may require an uplift at a later stage.
There is no evidence linking silicone or saline filled implants to any form of disease and it does not increase the risks of breast cancer. You will still be able to examine your breasts with the implants in place and have a mammogram as normal. Breast feeding is still possible with implants, as the implant sits behind the breast tissue, leaving all the milk ducts untouched.
All the risks will be discussed in detail at your consultation. However, if you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to discuss them. Decisions about cosmetic surgery should never be rushed.
What is the estimated time for recovery, absence from work and return to usual activities?
When you get home, you should take things easy for the first week or so. Most people take 2 weeks off from work. You can drive from 2 weeks, return to the gym for lower body work at 4 weeks and begin upper body exercises at 6 weeks. You will need to wear your support bra for 6 weeks.
