Breast Enlargement

Breast enlargement, also known as breast augmentation, is a cosmetic procedure to enhance the size and shape of the breasts by giving them a fuller and more contoured look.  Depending on the desired outcome this can be done by using implants, by lipofilling, or a combination of the two. 

Who is Suitable for this Type of Surgery?

Breast enlargement surgery is suitable for anyone wanting larger breasts. It may be that breast size has never been as large as desired, or volume has been lost due to pregnancy or weight loss.

All ages can have this procedure, but patients are often women in their 30s and 40s who have had children and find their breasts are less pert. Young women are advised to wait until their breast size is static for at least 18 months before considering breast enlargement.

It is important that the timing is right and that you are able to commit to complete rest for the two weeks following surgery. Time off work and support to look after any dependents during this time is essential and strenuous activity must be avoided for a minimum of 6 weeks.

Before Surgery

Your consultant will want to understand your reasons for considering breast augmentation and what results you would like to achieve.  This will help determine your suitability for surgery and inform what technique should be used to achieve the right look, size and shape, and if a breast uplift (mastoplexy) should be performed at the same time.  Your consultant will show you photos and sample implants to help you with your decision on what result you would like in terms of look, size and shape.

Before surgery, your consultant will take a full medical history. As well as being emotionally prepared for surgery, it is important you are healthy. Your consultant will examine your breasts for lumps and bumps and will want to know if you have a history of breast cancer.  Your consultant will explain what surgery will involve, the risks and recovery process in depth.  There will be a required wait of two weeks between your consultation and surgery to ensure you have had time to carefully consider everything discussed and the decisions you have made.

Surgical Options

Implants

Silicone filled implants will give an obviously augmented appearance, particularly if round implants are chosen. Round implants add volume to both the upper and lower parts of the breast, giving an overall fuller look. Teardrop implants add more volume to the lower part of the breast to provide a more natural look.

Implants can be positioned in front of, or behind the chest muscle. They are positioned in front of the chest muscle when there is sufficient skin and breast tissue to give good natural looking coverage over the breast implant, and behind the chest muscle when a patient has insufficient skin and breast tissue.

Lipofilling

For a more natural appearance, breasts can be enlarged using fat from other parts of the body, such as the hips or thighs. Fat is removed by liposuction and injected into the breast area. Lipofilling will give a more natural look and can also improve the symmetry of your breasts, but this technique won’t increase volume as much as an implant. You may also need to repeat the procedure as only a relatively small amount of fat can be transferred at one time and some of the fat will be absorbed in the initial weeks after the procedure.

Combination

A combination of an implant and lipofilling is known as a hybrid or composite augmentation. The benefits of this technique is the breast is given the volume from the implant, but the results can look more natural.

Breast Uplift

Your consultant may recommend a breast uplift (mastoplexy) is performed at the same time as augmentation if breasts are drooping.

How is the Surgery Performed?

Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and will take 1 to 3 hours depending on the technique.

Lipofilling is a less invasive surgery as no incisions are required, but surgery time will be longer because of the time it takes to remove fat by lipsuction and to prepare it to be injected.

For implants, an incision is made usually around the areola or below the breast at the inframammary fold. Incisions are placed very deliberately to ensure scars aren’t visible. Implants are placed under existing breast tissue. A tilting operating table is used so the implants are assessed under the effects of gravity. Dissolvable stitches will be used to close and drainage tubes to help reduce swelling and bruising may be placed. Once stitches and drains are in place, the chest is bandaged and the surgery is finished.

After Surgery

You will be closely monitored after surgery and you will usually be able to go home the same or next day. Any drainage tubes will be removed before you leave the hospital. Your consultant will want to see you after one week, and again at six weeks.

You will need to completely rest for one week and it is likely you will need two weeks off work.  If you have a manual job you may need to take up to six weeks off work.  You should avoid all sport and any other physical activity for at least 6 weeks. For best results you should wear a surgical support bra for at least six weeks, day and night.

You will immediately be able to see a change in your breast shape after surgery, however it may take 3 months for swelling to subside and you are able to see the final result. Scars can take up to a year to fade.

Need Help?

Breast enlargement surgery is available at One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire, as well as a range of cosmetic surgery procedures, including abdominoplasty, face lift and rhinoplasty. We can book you in to see a specialist Consultant Plastic surgeon for an initial consultation, usually within 48 hours. 

You can’t usually use your private medical insurance for cosmetic surgery but you can pay directly for your Breast Enlargement treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are able to use your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Healthcare

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in March 2016 (Ashford) December 2017 (Hatfield)
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• 0% and low finance options**
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

**Terms and conditions apply

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