Breast Augmentation (Enlargement)
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Many women with small breasts, or breasts that have decreased in size after childbirth, feel embarrassed about their body which can affect their self-confidence and make them feel "unfeminine". Breast enlargement surgery is now one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures, with more and more women opting to change the way their breasts look.
What does breast enlargement surgery involve?
Breast enlargement (or breast augmentation) involves an artificial implant being inserted under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle behind the breast. The implants are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and are usually made of an outer layer of silicone, filled with either saline (salt water) or silicone gel.
The surgeon will make incisions under the breast, around the nipples or near the armpits and insert the implants through the incisions to alter the size and shape of the breasts. The method of inserting and positioning the implant will depend on patient’s preferences and anatomy and the surgeon’s recommendations. The incisions are then closed using fine stitches, which are usually dissolvable, and dressings/bandages are placed over the area. The surgery is done under general anaesthetic and usually takes between one and two hours.
Before the procedure
The decision to have a breast enlargement is a personal one and it’s vital the patient gets the best advice possible, tailored to their individual needs. A full consultation with a cosmetic surgeon will help to inform the patient of what’s available, and also the risks of the procedure. The patient should also discuss their expectations of the surgery to ensure the results they’re hoping to gain are realistic.
The patient will need to sign a consent form before the procedure can take place to confirm they’ve understood everything discussed during the consultation. The surgeon will then measure the patients’ breasts and may want to have a mammogram taken.
After the procedure
While recovering from a breast enlargement, patients shouldn’t shower for four to seven days or do any strenuous activity for the first two to three weeks (the surgeon will be more specific depending on the individual). The patient will also need to take time off work to recover from the operation and medication will usually be offered to help ease the discomfort. The dressings/bandages used will need to be kept dry for two weeks, but can be removed after that time to inspect the results and lightly clean the area.
The operation will leave the patient feeling tired and sore for a few days and there will be some swelling and bruising (this has to be expected after a surgical procedure). Patients should be aware that there’ll always be some scarring from the incisions made after breast enlargement surgery, however these scars will often be hidden away e.g. if the incision was made along the crease of the breast. Again, this will be fully discussed during the consultation. The scars will be more prominent during the first six weeks after the operation, but may remain the same size for several months after and take up to two years to really fade. Patients must have follow-up visits in the months after the procedure to check their progress.
Risks
As with any cosmetic surgery, there are always some risks involved. Below are some of the risks involved with surgery (however it’s worth remembering these risks are infrequent):
- Infection can occur after the surgery and the implant may need to be removed temporarily.
- Nipple sensitivity may be lost, or in a small minority of patients nipples may become hypersensitive.
- Abnormal scar tissue may tighten around the breast (known as capsular contracture) causing pain and a misshapen appearance and additional surgery to release the scar may be needed.
- Blood can accumulate in the pocket created for the implant and the patient will need to have another operation to have this removed.
- There may be a difference in size between the two breasts
- Breast implants can leak and may have to be removed.
How long does breast enlargement surgery last?
Generally the surgery will last for at least ten years, however patients may need further surgery as advantages of the enlargement will be lost with time.