Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the UK, but there can still be a degree of confusion as to precisely what this surgery involves and how it differs from other options.
In this post, leading UK cosmetic surgeon Anca Breahna provides you with the key information about this form of surgery.
Breast augmentation surgery can also be called augmentation mammoplasty, or people may simply refer to breast implants.
All these are the same thing, the information that follows is relevant to them all.
Breast augmentation is the process of increasing breast size, this typically through implants, fat graft or a combination of the two.
The procedure can be purely for cosmetic purposes (although the benefits often go beyond the simply physical) or to restore breasts after surgery, for instance following breast cancer surgery.
Breast augmentation can also restore symmetry and also address any post-pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss changes and reduction in breast size.
Post pregnancy breast augmentation can be part of a package of surgery known colloquially as a ‘Mummy Makeover’, this targeting different areas of the body during one course of treatment, for instance liposuction to remove fat from the tummy or thighs. The fat grafted can be used as part of the breast augmentation.
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The breast augmentation surgery sees the surgeon make an incision and through this insert the implant and / or grafted fat.
The options for the incision are an inframammary incision, this done under the breast, a transaxillary incision, this under the armpit or a periareolar incision, this around the nipple.
The choice of which incision is suitable in each individual case depends on the nature of the implants and their size as well as the patient’s own anatomy. It is also dependant on patient-surgeon discussion, we will discuss the importance of thorough consultations lower down this page.
The breast implant is inserted either between the breast tissue and chest muscle or under the chest muscle – again, the most suitable option will vary on a patient-by-patient basis.
The incisions are then closed and dressings applied.
Breast augmentation is carried out under general anaesthetic. It is a relatively straightforward procedure for any skilled cosmetic surgeon, but still one that requires a period of recovery from for the patient.
An overnight stay in hospital is typical, after which painkillers will be used for a while. A follow-up appointment takes place around seven to 10 days later.
Follow-ups will vary by surgeon, but Anca Breahna schedules in appointments (typically) 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post-surgery, at each stage checking the healing is as expected.
Read more about the Recovery Timeline after Breast Augmentation here.
The choice can be confusing – there are different options regarding implants and fat transfer, and then there are different types of implants and sub categories – for instance saline and silicone implants and then smooth and textured options.
There are different options for where the incision might be made, there are options with varying recovery times and also implants that feel more or less realistic than other options.
It is impossible to outline in a post which the best option for any prospective patient would be, a thorough, detailed consultation would be required.
The consultation is an in-depth conversation coupled with medical examination at which the surgeon can outline the best options and also answer any queries.
Together, prospective patient and surgeon come to a decision – and this decision will on occasion be that surgery should not be undertaken.
It is certainly useful to know that there are different options and to ask questions of any surgeon, but it is not the case that you need a set idea of the exact nature of breast augmentation you require prior to seeking expert advice.
For many, there are physical benefits, the surgery either creating breasts that are fuller and more in keeping with the breasts the person has always wanted, restoring lost volume (lost through ageing, pregnancy or other cause) or correcting asymmetry.
For those post-surgery, for example for breast cancer, there is of course the profound benefit of restoring the appearance to one closer to the pre-surgery appearance.
However, the benefits go far beyond the simply physical. Breast augmentation can greatly boost self-confidence and self-esteem. As with any part of the body, if a person has concerns over the appearance it can greatly affect their confidence and mood and so impact on all areas of their life. Work can suffer, relationships and friendships too.
This will also be addressed during the consultation, the surgeon assessing the reasons the surgery is sought and checking that the results will meet expectation, that the surgery truly is in the patient’s best interest.
If you would like an obligation-free consultation with a top female cosmetic surgeon whose expertise is in breast implants , contact Anca Breahna today.
Anca is one of the UK’s leading cosmetic surgeons and as a leading female surgeon has a deeply informed understanding of the process women go through when contemplating breast surgery.
Contact Anca today by using our Contact Form.