A breast augmentation is surgery to enlarge and enhance breast size. It is usually done by placing silicone breast implants behind the breast. Some people are suitable for lipoaugmentation where their own fat is transferred into their breasts.
If you are concerned by having small breasts or would like your breasts larger or fuller, you may be suitable for a breast augmentation.
If you are soon after pregnancy or still breast feeding, it may not be the right time to have a breast augmentation. If you smoke or have significant health problems, this will need to be assessed and you may be advised to wait or not to have a breast augmentation.
Choosing the right breast implant is about much more than just the size of the implant. It is also about the right shape for your breast, the right size for your breast and body proportions and the implant that will fit your goal of surgery best as well. Silicone implants are the most common implants used. External breast sizers and 3D simulation can be used to help you try to visualise what your result might look like with a particular implant.
There are variations depending on your individual anatomy and goals. The standard surgery is done under general anaesthesia although some people are suitable for surgery under local anaesthetic and sedation. A small incision is placed usually in your breast crease, a space is made behind your breast partially under or on top of your pectoralis muscle and the implant is placed there. Drains are not routinely used. Stitches are usually absorbable
Breast augmentation can be done on its own or in combination with other procedures. Common combinations include breast lift surgery, abdominoplasty, labiaplasty and other body contouring procedures.
45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the extent of surgery. If other procedures are planned at the same time, the overall surgery time is longer.
You will have tapes on the incisions. You will need to wear a support bra for 6 weeks. Breast augmentation is a day case procedure. You can shower with care after 48 hours.
On average 1 to 2 weeks off work are needed. No heavy lifting or strenuous activity is allowed for 6 weeks. Some forms of exercise can be restarted at 4 weeks. Most exercise is restarted at 6 weeks. Driving is not allowed until you are safe to perform an emergency stop.
Unfortunately, complications can occur after all surgery and you need to be aware of this. Ms Nugent will do her utmost to reduce your risk as much as she can. This includes the health and procedure advice she gives you before surgery, the care and precautions she takes during surgery and the advice she gives you after surgery. Some of the complications that can happen include slow healing, infection, bleeding, poor scarring, asymmetry, pain, numbness or sensitivity in the skin, contour irregularities, seroma (fluid build-up), clots in the legs and lungs, implant malposition, implant rupture, capsular contracture and BIA-ALCL (a rare lymphoma associated with some breast implant types).
Most patients who undergo breast augmentation surgery are very pleased with their results and describe it as very positive procedure. Success depends on being prepared for your surgery, choosing the right procedure, the surgery itself and recovering well. All steps in the journey are crucial!
Download the detailed information booklet on this page to read more and book a consultation to discuss your individual circumstances with Ms Nugent!
Before and After Breast Augmentation Images
