Breast Enlargement (Breast Augmentation)

What does this involve?

There are a wide variety of breast implants available, and your surgeon will give you advice on the size, shape and type of implants appropriate for you.

Implants can be positioned either under your breast tissue or deeper behind your chest muscle on which the breast lies. Your surgeon will advise which is the most appropriate positioning in your case. The implants are inserted through an incision made in the crease under the breast, around the lower edge of your nipple or in your armpit. Once surgery is complete, the incision is closed with stitches.

Following the procedure you will be taken from the operating theatre into the Recovery Suite where you will be looked after until you are fully awake following the anaesthetic. After this, you will return to your room, where nursing staff will check your dressings and monitor your pulse and blood pressure at regular intervals.

Your anaesthetist is likely to prescribe painkillers to reduce any potential discomfort and you should take these regularly for the first few days. Pain can slow down your recovery, so it is important to discuss any discomfort with the nursing staff.

You will have wound dressings in place and a supportive dressing around your breasts. You may also be wearing your support bra.

Until the affects of the anaesthetic have passed, you will need to rest. In the meantime you will be visited by your surgeon who will assess your progress and answer any questions or concerns you may have. 

When will I recover?

After breast augmentation you are likely to have some discomfort, swelling, bruising, hardness and pain/twinges in the breasts. These are temporary and should subside after the first few weeks. It may take several months for the shape of your breast to settle.

You should follow your surgeon's advice regarding how long to avoid driving but you certainly should not begin driving again until you are confident that you can safely perform an emergency stop without experiencing any discomfort. 

Please follow your surgeon's advice regarding how long to avoid exercise and driving. You must avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, swimming and vacuuming for four to six weeks after surgery. You should only drive when you are confident that you can safely perform an emergency stop without experiencing discomfort.

Your surgeon will advise you as to how long you will be required to wear your support bra and whether it is to be worn day and night. You must avoid wearing an under wired bra until you are informed otherwise.

You will receive a post-operative telephone call from the Cosmetic Surgery Specialist Nurse one to two days after your discharge home to ascertain your progress and well being.

At your post-operative follow-up appointment your surgeon will assess your progress and give advice on when you can resume your normal activities. You may need to take one to two weeks off work, depending on your type of employment.

What risks should I know about?

Breast Augmentation is a commonly performed and generally safe procedure. However, all surgery carries an element of risk.

The possible complications of any surgery can include an unexpected reaction to a general anaesthetic, excessive bleeding, developing a blood clot (usually in a vein in the lower leg, known as a DVT - deep vein thrombosis) and infection. Signs of infection include uncontrolled pain, redness, swelling, oozing from wounds, and fever 

You may experience changes in sensation in different parts of the breast including the nipple - these areas may become more or less sensitive than before. These changes are usually temporary, but can last for up to six months. Occasionally numbness can be permanent.

Capsular Contracture is a potential complication - this is when a layer of scar tissue forms around the implant causing the breast to feel hard. The implant may need to be removed and replaced.

A small number of patients can develop thick, red and painful scars that may take years to improve.

Some implants can block X-rays during a mammogram so it is important that you always tell the radiographer that you have breast implants.

Circle care

Breast Augmentation is carried out at CircleBath, our state of the art hospital, which provides you with the best facilities and superb patient care.  We have a dedicated team of Cosmetic Surgeons and Nurses who will guide you through the process from first consultation to after-care and will be available to answer any questions or queries you may have.