Breast enlargement, or augmentation, remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgery operations. Implants, which are usually made of silicone, are used to make the breast bigger and improve the overall shape. A natural look with a pleasing appearance is the aim of all augmentation surgery. Your Surgeon will advise you on the different types of implants, both size and shape, which can be used and they are usually inserted behind the breast tissue through a small incision made in the fold underneath the crease directly below the nipple.
Advice before surgery
Any patient requiring this type of surgery will see the Surgeon in the hospital for a consultation.
A detailed discussion will take place including details of medical history and previous operations.
There will be a detailed discussion about the desired outcome of surgery and also the possible risks and complications of surgery which include bleeding and wound infection.
Smoking increases these risks and patients are advised to stop smoking for at least six weeks prior to surgery.
Patients should also avoid taking painkillers such as Aspirin in the two weeks prior to surgery as this can increase the risk of bleeding.
The operation
The operation itself is always undertaken under general anaesthetic with the patient completely asleep and takes on average about 1˝ hours. Most patients will stay in hospital for one night following this surgery and often a drain is used which stays in overnight. The stitches used will be dissolvable and will not require removal.
Recovery following surgery
A sports-type bra is put on at the time of surgery and patients usually wear this most of the time during the first two weeks following surgery. Initially, the breasts will feel tight and swollen and the swelling can take 2 – 3 weeks to settle. The final natural shape of the breast may take up to 2 months to completely recover. Patients will be given pain killers after the operation but the amount of discomfort experienced is variable. There may be some numbness of the skin around the nipple and the nipple itself can occasionally feel numb due to swelling and bruising of the nerve. This numbness will recover spontaneously. Patients will be encouraged to be as active as possible but this is within the limits of comfort. Two weeks off work may be required and also driving should not be undertaken until the patient feels safe to drive, can steer normally and perform an emergency stop without any hesitation. A sick certificate for work will be provided if necessary.
Follow-up care is arranged before discharge from the hospital and most patients will be seen one week post-operative for a change of dressings and a wound check. They will then be seen 1 month post-operatively and a final check will be performed 3 – 4 months post-operatively.
Risks and complications
There is always the possibility of complications even with the simplest surgical procedure. In the initial stages following surgery there is both the risk of bleeding and infection, which may require operative intervention. These are rare, but should be dealt with promptly if they occur. In the longer term there may be some scar development around the implant. In the majority of cases this is unimportant but if the scar tissue were to thicken it can form a “capsule”.
If you ever have any concern it is imperative that you contact the hospital immediately, where 24 hour cover is provided.
Any patient requiring this type of surgery will see the Surgeon in the hospital for a consultation. 