Breast augmentation
Breast augmentation
Breast augmentation involves an operation where implants are inserted into your breasts to increase their size, change their size or to make them more symmetrical.
The procedure is often known as breast augmentation or as a “boob job”. Breast augmentation or mammoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the size and volume of the breasts. Normally, surgery is recommended with implants in both breasts to make them more symmetrical. Implants can come in various shapes, generally round, oval or anatomical. Currently, there are prostheses with a rough-textured surface to provide a more natural look. The incision scar for breast surgery is practically invisible.
Breast augmentation might help
- Enhance your appearance or improve the symmetry of your breasts.
- Improve your self-confidence.
- Correct uneven breasts after breast surgery for other conditions.
Choosing implants
There are two types of implants to choose from, saline or silicone.
Silicone implants are more commonly used in the UK. They’re less likely to wrinkle and feel more natural.
Saline implants are more likely to fold, rupture or go down over time. The saline will safely be absorbed into your body in the case where this may occur.
Ensure you discuss the pros and cons of each type with your surgeon, the size and shape, as well as where they’ll be placed. Breast implants can be placed either behind the breast muscle or just behind the breast).
Risks
- Infection.
- Breast pain.
- Scar tissue that can distort the shape of the implants.
- Implant rupture or leakage.
- Folds or creases in the implant.
- Thick, obvious scarring.
- The implant rotating within the breast.
- Correcting these complications may require more surgery.
How long do breast implants last?
Breast implants will need to be replaced at some point. Often women will need further surgery after roughly 10 years because of problems with their implants or because their breasts have changed around the implants.
What should you consider if you’re thinking of having breast implants?
- Breast implants won’t prevent your breasts from sagging.
- Mammograms may require additional specialised views.
- You may not be able to breastfeed or you may produce less milk than usual.
- The surgery may result in more sensitive, less sensitive or completely numb nipples.
The procedure
Your surgeon will make a single cut incision in one of three places:
- Under your arm
- Around your nipple (periareolar)
- In the crease under your breast
When the implant is in place, the surgeon closes the incision, typically through stitches and it will be bandaged with surgical tape and skin adhesive.
Recovery
You should be able to move around soon after having breast enlargement surgery. It can take a few weeks to fully recover from surgery. You will want to take up to two weeks off from work. You shouldn’t drive for at least one week.
You may be recommended to wear a sports bra or a compression bandage for extra support and to help with the positioning of the breast implants. You may be prescribed medication to help ease the pain.
For up to three months after breast surgery, you must avoid strenuous exercise or lifting for at least a month
After six weeks you can return to most of your normal activities. Your scars should also start to fade.
After a few months, your breasts should start to feel and look more natural and you may be able to stop wearing the sports bra or compression bandage.
Results
It’s important to keep in mind that breast will continue to age after undergoing the surgery and that weight loss or weight gain may alter the way your breasts look too. However, the procedure often helps improve your self-esteem greatly as well as body image.
If you have thought about getting breast implants and undergoing surgery, get in contact with a surgeon who specialises in this procedure.


Can breast implants make you sick?
By Mr Venkat Ramakrishnan
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As with any surgery, having breast implants has its pros and cons. There are complications patients may encounter. But can breast augmentation surgery make you sick? We asked experienced plastic surgeon Mr Venkat Ramakrishnan about the risks of breast implants. See more


FAQs on breast implant complications
By Mr Venkat Ramakrishnan
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Adding, changing or removing breast implants undoubtedly comes with many questions and concerns. Mr Venkat Ramakrishnan, a highly experienced plastic surgeon, offers his answers to the most frequently asked questions surrounding breast implants and clears up the myths and misconceptions about this widely popular cosmetic surgery procedure. See more


Minimising risk in breast augmentation surgery
By Mr Ian Grant
2022-05-26
There is no such thing as risk-free surgery. Even with the safest techniques, patients will occasionally experience problems as a result of their operation, and breast augmentation is no exception. However, there are ways to minimise these risks. Plastic surgeon Mr Ian Grant is here to explain. See more


Are anatomical (“tear-drop”) implants the best breast enlargement implant for you?
By Professor Charles Malata
2022-05-26
Learn about the numerous benefits of anatomical (“tear-drop”) implants for breast augmentation, what these implants are and if they are suitable for you. See more
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West Valley Hospital
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