Breast Augmentation And The Things To Consider

Breast augmentation, or breast enlargement as it’s sometimes known, is the UK’s most common form of cosmetic surgery. Approximately 30,000 patients choose to go under the knife to gain the breast shape and fullness that they want, and of those, around 25,500 were done privately.

Reconstructive or Cosmetic Breast Augmentation?

Reconstructive breast augmentation is mainly used for women who have had a mastectomy and who want to achieve a balanced look once more. This type of surgery is often covered by the NHS.

Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, is purely aesthetic and is seldom available on the NHS. The average cost of breast enlargement in the UK is between £3,500 and £5,000, and it’s possible to get the treatment even cheaper abroad.

Different Types of Implant

There are two types of implant used in breast augmentation procedures. These are:

Silicone.
These are most commonly used, and come in a wide variety of forms, from round to ‘teardrop’, which is anatomically more like the natural shape of the breast. The softness of
the silicone provides a relatively natural feel, and they’re less likely to crease or fold. The main disadvantage of silicone is that, if the implant ruptures, it may spread into your breast, leaving small lumps called siliconomas. These lumps may need to be removed surgically, particularly if they cause pain.

Saline (sterile salt water).
Saline implants also come in a range of shapes, and the main benefit is that, if they rupture, the salt water is simply absorbed harmlessly into the body. However, they are more likely to rupture earlier than silicone implants and they are more likely to wrinkle.

What is the Surgery Like?

The vast majority of breast augmentation procedures are carried out under general anaesthetic, though in rare cases, it may be done under local.

After the anaesthetic is given, your surgeon will start by making an incision. Where the incision is depended largely on the nature of your operation. Most commonly, it will be positioned on the underside of the breast, where it won’t be very visible afterwards.

After the incision has been made, the surgeon will insert the implant. It will either be placed in between your breast tissue and your chest muscle or behind your chest muscle. The incision will then be resealed, generally using stitches.

Reconstructive breast augmentation is slightly different. As you may also require tissue grafts to help cover the implant.

After Your Breast Surgery

In total, the operation should take around 60 to 90 minutes. Afterwards, it’s likely that you’ll be able to go home, though if you’ve had an operation late in the day, you may be required to stay in overnight.

You’ll be advised to take things easy for at least 4 to 6 weeks after the operation in order to allow your body to heal properly.

If you are considering having your procedure overseas, read our guide to getting cosmetic surgery abroad before making a decision.

Possible Complications of Breast Augmentation Surgery

As with any form of surgery, there are risks involved with breast enlargements. The most common risks are:

• Infection
• Scarring
• Implant rupture
• Creasing or folding of the skin around the implant
• Changes to nipple sensation
• Scar tissue shrinkage (capsular contracture)

 

There are risks during the operation itself, as your surgeon will be using anaesthetic to perform the procedure. Additionally, breast implants have also been linked to a slightly increased risk of developing a form of cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma. However, this is very rare indeed.

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, make sure you are aware of all the possible considerations.