BREAST ENLARGEMENT (AUGMENTATION MAMMAPLASTY)
What is a breast enlargement?
A surgical operation which makes the breast larger by placing an implant behind the breast
Is it right for you?
Makes small breast larger typically increases bra cup size by 2 to 3 sizes (eg 34 A to 34 C or D) Restores breast size where pregnancy and breast feeding have resulted in loss of volume
Improves symmetry of size where one breast is larger than the other
Gives the breasts a fuller more rounded shape
Medical considerations?
Illnesses Discuss at consultation
Medication Discuss all medication at your consultation
Avoid aspirin and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs e.g. ibuprofen for 10 days before surgery
Smoking Stop smoking 4-6 weeks before surgery to reduce complications
The operation?
Anaesthetic General Anaesthetic
Duration 30 40mins to augment a breast
Implant type Silicone most widely used (see below for more detail)
Scar Usually under the breast. About 5cm long.
Pocket The implant can be placed under the breast or partly undcr the pectoral muscle.
Advantages of each can be discussed at your consultation.
Your recovery?
Hospital stay Admission on day of surgery and stay one night afterwards
Stitches Absorbable (dissolving) and under the skin
Drains Usually not required (If needed normally removed next day)
Dressings Clear plastic film over the wound. Remove after 7-10 days.
Bra Supportive sports type bra is helpfull but usually not essential
Driving 10 14 days (Some people start after 1 week)
Return to work 10 14 days light work ie office type
Gym After 4 weeks gentle lower body / 6-8 weeks return to normal activity
What are the risks?
Bleeding occasionally re-operation is required to remove a build up of blood
Infection rare but if it occurs the implant needs to be removed
Scar typically 5cm long. Usually settle down can be thickened and red (Keloid)
Capsules Tightening of scar tissue around the implant making the implants feel hard.
Most likely to happen in the year after surgery.
Nipples nipples may loose their feeling following surgery but this usually returns.
Often the nipples are more sensitive initially
Pregnancy There is no evidence that breast implants harm unborn children
Breast feeding breast implants are not a reason not to breast feed
Breast implants
Types All implants have an outer shell made of silicone elastomer
The filling of the implants varies but silicone gel is the commonest in the United Kingdom. Saline (salty water) is the main alternative.
Textured Most implants used in the UK are textured - reduces the risk of capsule formation.
Silicone safety
There is no convincing evidence that silicone causes cancer
There is no convincing evidence that silicone causes collagen vascular disease
There is no convincing evidence that silicone causes autoimmune diseases
Do they last? Implants do not need to be changed after a set time.
However if you have implants you may require further surgery in the future because of your implants
Rupture & Bleed
Mammography is more difficult with implants. Extra views are required. Parts of the breast may not be assessed
My new look and expectations
Size of breasts you must discuss your wishes with your surgeon.
Most women wish to increase their breast size by 2 to 3 bra cup sizes.
Scar under the breast. About 5cm. Usually lies on the breast.
Photographic Examples
The following are examples of breast aurgmentation. These photographs show good results. Different people are very different and have different shapes breasts. You must understand that it may not be possible to achieve a similar result for you.All patients have undergone their surgery with Jeremy Hurren. They have given written permision for these pictures to be published by Jeremy Hurren.
