Breast Augmentation
Cosmetic breast augmentation or breast enlargement surgery is a surgical procedure which involves placing an implant immediately behind the breast tissue or underneath the muscle that lies beneath the breast. The inserted breast implant projects & pushes the natural breast tissue forward, giving a fuller and larger appearance.
Breast Augmentation enhances the size and shape of your breasts and is used for a number of reasons:
- To enhance your body contour, as for personal reasons, you might feel that your breasts are too small
- To restore breast volume lost due to weight loss or following pregnancy
- To achieve better symmetry when your breasts are moderately disproportionate in size and shape
- To improve the shape of breasts that are sagging or have lost firmness, often used in conjunction with a breast lift procedure
By inserting an implant behind each breast, it is possible to increase the size of your breasts by one or more bra cup sizes and there are several ways in which to undertake breast augmentation. All of the procedures involve making an incision to insert the implant, creating a pocket under the breast tissue in which to insert the implant and selecting the ideal implant to give the most natural augmentation of the breast.
Choosing the breast implant that is right for you, depends on several factors such as whether you have already had breast surgery before and how much available breast tissue you have, as this is different for each and every person. Our consultant plastic surgeons will be able to fully and expertly advise you on which breast implant is best for you.
At 152 Harley Street, breast augmentation is carried out under Local Anaesthetic & Sedation in our state-of-the-art day case theatre. The implant is usually inserted through a small and very inconspicuous incision that runs in the natural fold under the breasts. You will be able to leave shortly after your procedure, but still receive the same thorough and excellent aftercare that you would expect with a general anaesthetic. For those living outside of London, we are able to personally arrange for you to stay in our partner hotel in Marylebone, just a few minutes from 152 Harley Street.
152 Harley Street is one of only a few day case hospitals in the UK that offer Breast Augmentation and many other cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures under Local Anaesthetic & Sedation; procedures pioneered by our world-class cosmetic and plastic surgeons.
We believe that all of our patients deserve only the highest standard of Consultant led treatment and care at all times; that’s why at 152 Harley Street, your procedure will only be undertaken by one of our expert Consultant Plastic Surgeons.
“Breast augmentation can restore breast volume, give better symmetry and improve the shape of breasts that are sagging”
FAQ
INCISIONS
The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your personal wishes and body shape. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the axilla (armpit). Incisions in the axilla are only suitable for a limited number of people.
Breast implants can be placed in a pocket either infront of the chest muscle (referred to as the subglandular pocket as it lies directly under the breast itself) or behind the chest muscle (referred to as submuscular).
TYPES OF IMPLANTS
The choice of implant filler, implant size, shape and other features will be determined based on your breast anatomy, body type and your desired increase in size. Your lifestyle, goals and personal preferences, plus surgical judgment are also determining factors. Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce new styles and types of implants, so there may be additional options available to you at the time of your consultation with us.
Breast implants are medical devices with a solid silicone, rubber shell. The implant shell is usually filled with silicone gel. The are several different types of silicone gel, but in general a cohesive silicone gel is used which prevents or reduces the risk of leakage.
Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants. Regular examinations for breast health and to evaluate the condition of your implants are important.
THE SURGERY
The surgery will be undertaken as either an inpatient in hospital, where you will need to remain in hospital for a day or two, or under Local Anaesthetic and Sedation in our state-of-the-art day case theatre at 152 Harley Street. With sedation you are able to leave shortly after your procedure, but still receive the same thorough & excellent aftercare that you would expect with a general anaesthetic.
The surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete. The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your wishes and body shape. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.
Through the incision, the breast tissue and skin is lifted to create a pocket. Once the implant is positioned within this pocket, the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures and the wounds are covered with surgical tape and a light dressing. A post surgical or sports bra is placed as the final part of the dressing for comfort and to support the breasts.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
Following surgery, the breasts will be tender and slightly swollen for a few days and it is advisable to limit arm movements and take the painkillers which you are prescribed.
Most women can drive by the fourth or fifth day after surgery and return to work after a week.
Your wounds will be checked one week after surgery and although by that stage the healing process will be underway, its important that you keep wearing the supportive bra day and night for a minimum of a further four weeks.
THE RISKS
Breast augmentation is relatively straightforward. As with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. Your consultant plastic surgeon will explain the risks of the procedure at your initial consultation at 152 Harley Street.