BREAST AUGMENTATION WITH IMPLANTS 

Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the world. It is needed for women who may have always been dissatisfied with their breast size or those that have undergone pregnancy and breastfeeding and seen a change to the volume and shape of their breasts. 

Am I a suitable candidate for breast augmentation?

Most patients with smaller breasts are suitable for a straightforward augmentation. There are many different shapes and sizes of breast implant. Based on the clinical examination and understanding patient’s needs we will discuss which implants would be most appropriate for your frame and body shape and for what you’re hoping to achieve. They can be inserted either above or below the chest muscle, or even a combination of both. 

What happens during a breast augmentation with implants procedure?

A breast augmentation procedure is typically performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes 60 minutes or less. The implants are inserted through a short incision in the crease under the breast. Once the implant is inserted the incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches. A simple plaster covers the wound and I would ask you to wear a post-surgical non-wired bra for 6 weeks after the operation.

Are there any possible risks or complications associated with a breast augmentation procedure?

Recovery after a breast augmentation is usually relatively quick and patients are able to control any discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers. Most breast augmentations can be performed as a day case. You will typically need 1 week off work. 

The types of risk after breast augmentation are mostly rare and yet you need to be aware of it and that include infection, bleeding, fluid build-up and skin numbness caused by nerve damage. Nipple and breast numbness is quite common after breast augmentation surgery, but that should recover after a few months.

Capsular contracture is an important risk after breast implant surgery. The body treats the implants as a ‘foreign body’, encapsulating the breasts in scar tissue that can harden and constrict the implants. The risk of that to happen is almost ten percent in five years’ time. I only use the highest quality implants from leading breast implant manufacturers. Rupture is much far less common nowadays and some implants come with a guarantee against this. Despite the potential problems, if considered carefully, breast augmentation is a very good procedure for patients, with a high level of post-operative satisfaction and lots of reports of increased self-confidence. 

What results can I expect from my breast augmentation procedure?

Scarring usually heals very well after breast augmentation and should be almost unnoticeable when they fully heal.

Satisfaction after a breast augmentation procedure is usually very high, with many women findings their confidence in their physical appearance is greatly improved