In this section of this website, we aim to give clear and concise information which will help you to find out the many types of surgery available, with some recommended cosmetic surgery clinics close to your desired location.

There is also a forum for post surgery patients to give helpful advice directly for those who are considering breast surgery.

 

Breast enlargement does not have to be a traumatic experience!

After you feel satisfied that breast enhancement is the right choice you should book an initial consultation with an accredited clinic. The majority of breast enhancement surgeries are referred by a trusted friend, or some use the same surgeon who performed a celebrity's enhancement.

A one-night stay after a one to two hour operation is not unusual. It is a relatively straightforward procedure and most patients return home the next day, a little groggy from the general anaesthetic but nevertheless healthy and happy.

 

What to expect in your consultation

Accredited cosmetic surgeons are realistic about who is a viable candidate. Not only will they consider your physical health, lifestyle, medical history and expectations but your reasons for wanting breast enhancement in the first place. It is very important to be completely honest during your consultation and you should be prepared for a physical examination which may include measurements and photographs for your medical files.

 

What happens during surgery

When you are fully anaesthetised, your surgeon will make a small incision of around 5cm. This is typically through the armpit, around the nipple or discreetly along the lower crease of the breast. During your consultation your surgeon can guide you as to the most suitable choice of implant.

 

Post Surgery Recovery

Most patients can return home after one to two days but physical activities should be limited for a few more days. Soreness and swelling will remain for around two weeks and a return to normal sensation at around 1 month in most cases. Your surgeon should advise on a suitable course of pain relief medication and you should follow the medical plan as close as possible, making a note of any daily advances or discomforts.

 

Implants for life?

It is unlikely that your breasts will retain their original shape in many years' time, regardless of the level of competency of any accredited cosmetic surgeon. It is likely that at some time your breasts would benefit from an additional procedure to reshape or tighten the area.

 

BEFORE AND AFTER

 

CHOICE OF INCISION

Here are four most-commonly practiced incision techniques.

• Peri-areolar incisions (nipple) are generally made to the lower end of the areola. A slight increase in reported pain during recovery is reported. There is also a slightly higher risk of noticeable scarring for certain skin types.

• Transaxillary incisions (armpit) ensure a less obvious scarring when arms are parallel to the body. There is a slightly increased chance of loss of sensation in the nipples. Surgeons may be prepared only to use saline implants with this incision.

• Inframammory fold incisions (breast fold) can be very discreet, however when lying flat, the scars are more noticeable.

• Trans-umbilical breast augmentation (navel) incisions are less practised in the UK due to reduced accuracy of placement under the breast muscle.

 

CHOICE OF IMPLANTS

There is a bewildering array of sizes, shapes and materials by many manufacturers and not all will be suitable for you. Ultimately you should be guided during your consultation and place your trust in the surgeon.

Some people are good candidates for an increase of two to three cup sizes, however bodies are unique and your age, skin texture, nipple position, speed of healing and of course the shape of your breasts will affect what is medically acceptable. An increase of just one cup size can still make a dramatic improvement to confidence.

There are dozens of reputable cosmetic surgeons in the UK and there are two types of implant filler, Silicone or saline. Saline is a fairly new introduction and there are benefits to using either type.

Silicone implants are considerably more popular in the UK due to their natural texture, consistency and being less inflammatory in human tissue. Earlier fears of leakage etc have been answered with newer, more robust manufacturing such as Cohesive Gel Implants. Silicone also offers a wider choice of implant shape options.

 

IMPLANT SHAPE

There are two main types of implant shape in the UK.

• Round implants are the most commonly-used. Shaped like a flattened sphere, they are particularly good for women who desire forward projection of the breast, but also more fullness to the upper section.

• Teardrop (contoured) breast implants offer the user a more gently-sloping contour than round implants. These implants are generally textured as there is a slight risk of the implant turning under the muscle which can distort the breast and cause discomfort. These implants may be more expensive however these can be favoured by those wanting a larger natural look but do not require extra volume at the top of the breast.

 

 

Glossary

Submuscular (Subpectoral) places the implant behind the pectoral muscle.

Subglandular Breast Augmentation places the implant over the chest muscle, between the pectoral muscle and mammary gland.