Breast Enlargement

Breast enlargement is one of the most common and most popular operations in cosmetic surgery. Many women feel unhappy and embarrassed with the size of their breasts. On many occasions this can reflect on their self-esteem and confidence. It can restrict your choice of clothing and limit activities such as swimming. This can be since puberty; or following childbirth, weight loss or simply to try and maintain the youthful shape of a firm breast as we get older. Other women feel simply that a larger breast would suit their body frame better.

Breast enlargement may help to make you feel more confident and feminine. It can also be used to improve on asymmetry.

What is Breast Enlargement?

This is an operation where breast implants are inserted to enlarge the size of the breasts. Silicone and saline implants are available. Saline implants are mostly used for reconstruction. Silicone implants are widely used as they give a more natural shape and feel. Many studies have been conducted to establish the safety of the silicone breast implants. The studies confirmed the safety of the implants and hence widely used. There is no specific shelf life time for the implants.

There are 2 main shapes of silicone implants; the shaped “tear drop” implant and the round implant. The pros and cons of each and their suitability to your requirements are best discussed during the consultation.

There are 2 main potential sites of insertion for your breast implants;
1. Deep to your Pectoralis muscle (Submuscular)
2. On top of muscle but deep to breast tissue (Submammary).

   
    

The pros and cons of each location and their suitability to your requirements are best discussed during the consultation. The same applies when discussing the size of the implants.

The Surgery

Breast enlargement surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic (while you are asleep). It involves insertion of breast implants. The possible incisions for breast enlargement are:

1. A small scar very close to the crease under the breast (most common)  OR
2. Around the areola (brown circle surrounding the nipple)  OR
3. Under the Armpit.

You are usually in the hospital for 1-2 nights. If drains were used, they will be removed prior to your discharge.

 

Recovery

You may experience some discomfort after breast enlargement surgery, but usually pain is very well controlled. You are advised to wear a supportive bra before you leave the hospital and asked to keep the dressings dry. 7- 10 days after surgery you will be seen to reduce and check the dressings. The stitches are usually removed around 2 weeks after surgery. It is best to continue wearing the bra day and night for 6 weeks and avoid any physical or strenuous exercise for a similar period. Under wired bras are best avoided for approximately 6 months.

Potential Risks

Every surgical procedure carries a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand the risks involved with breast enlargement.

The scar from breast enlargement usually heals very well and is easily disguised. In a small number of cases, the healing may result in a red lumpy scar. There could be a certain degree of asymmetry, however most breasts are not exactly symmetrical. The sensation of the skin and nipple can sometimes be altered following breast enlargement. Breast implants can sometimes wrinkle/ripple and this can be palpable.

The body tends to form scar tissue on the inside to surround the breast implant “capsule formation”. This on occasions can become thickened and contracted. The current breast implants are designed to reduce the likelihood of this happening. This can affect around 10% of patients and can occur anytime after surgery. The implants can feel hard, affecting the shape of the breast and may result in pain. Treatment may be needed.

Breast augmentation does not affect your ability to breast-feed. There is no evidence that breast enlargement causes breast cancer. Nor does it prevent your breast from being examined for cancer in the usual way. However you must mention that you have breast implants when going for mammogram, as special x-ray views may be required.

Bleeding, infection, wound break down, excessive scarring, blood clots in leg veins and/or lung and further revisional surgery are general risks that can follow any operation.

Before and After pictures

Before	After

   

  

  

The information provided gives you a basic understanding of the breast enlargement procedure but it may not answer all your questions, a lot depends on your individual circumstances. It is not intended to be a substitute for a surgical consultation in Chester, Cheshire or Wrexham, North Wales.

For any enquiries, you can email Mr Fahmy on info@cosmeticplastic.co.uk or contact his secretary on 0800 756 9828 OR 0794 951 5013. Your consultation will be directly with Mr Fahmy and the treatment will be performed by himself at the hospital of your choice either Grosvenor Nuffield Hospital, Chester or Spire Yale Hospital, Wrexham. It is always advisable to bring a friend or a relative during your consultation, as it may further assist you in any questions you may have.

Notice of Copyright ©: 01July 2008-The documents and images on this website have been created by Mr F Fahmy (author), who reserves all rights to their use for purpose of publication, sale, commercial gain, or promotion. Permission must be sought to download, reproduce, copy, print, or otherwise transform any of the documents or images on this website. The copyright for all pictures remains with Mr F Fahmy.