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Breast Augmentation (Breast Enlargement)

This operation aims to give larger and fuller breasts. Only the best quality silicone breast implants are used and can be round or tear-drop (anatomical) in shape, depending on the desired result you wish to achieve. Modern silicone implants are safe and use non liquid (cohesive) silicone gel. Implants can be placed directly under the breast or partly under the chest wall (pectoral) muscle. Under the muscle is preferred in slender patients to give more padding over the upper part of the implant and avoiding an obvious ‘implant edge’. Implant size and shape can be varied, although it is vital implants are chosen to match your breast and chest width to achieve the best result. The full range of techniques and implants are used to best match your needs.

Procedure in brief

A pocket for the implant is made behind the breast or partly behind the pectoral muscle and breast. This is most commonly done via a cut in the breast crease. The implant is then inserted and the incision stitched closed with dissolvable stitches. A drain is sometimes used. Round implants tend to give a fuller rounder look. Anatomical implants look more natural or ‘softer’ in the upper area of the breast. Different implant shapes and sizes will be offered and discussed with you.

Breast Augmentation facts

Scars The scar is usually around 4cm long and hidden in the breast crease. Scars tend to be a little pink in the first 2 months and then fade to white.

Length of surgery and hospital stay The operation takes 60-75 minutes. Hospital stay is usually one night.

Time off work and recovery Allow 1-2 weeks although people vary in recovery. Patients are very mobile after 1-2 days. There is usually discomfort for first week. Moderate exercise is feasible at 2-3 weeks and strenuous exercise (aerobics) at 6-8 weeks. Driving is usually possible in the second or third week.

Potential complications This routine operation is a great success for the vast majority of patients, most patients having no problems. However, it is very important you understand that occasionally operations can have complications such as bleeding, infection, wound problems or variable scar quality. With breast augmentation, additional potential problems include hardening around the implant, altered sensation, rippling or palpability of implants, altered sensation, altered ability to breast feed and inteference with breast X-rays (mammograms).

What is covered in costs