Cosmetic surgery for Women - Breast augmentation
Notes for Guidance
 The Procedure
Breast augmentation has become on of the most common procedures in cosmetic surgery.
This operation has been successful in this country and world-wide and has helped many women attain a better figure, which in turn has made an important psychological contribution to their feelings of femininity, confidence, general sense of well-being and happiness.
Physical and psychological factors are closely linked in this area. Patients are very carefully assessed by the surgeon in order to assist patients in realising their expectations and to achieve a mutual understanding.
The best candidate
Breast Augmentation is suitable for women who perceive their breasts as being too small, either because they have never had full development of breast tissue, or as a result of the loss of breast tissue that sometimes occurs after pregnancy and breast-feeding. Small breasts may also be due to massive weight loss. If breast sagging accompanies small breast volume, a breast uplift operation, Mastopexy, may be required. Augmentation and Mastopexy can be performed together or separately.
This surgery does not usually alter breast function. Since the operation does not interfere with breast tissue, the possibility of breast-feeding after pregnancy remains unaltered. It must be remembered that not all women can breast-feed successfully anyway - the important point here being that the breast will function the same after treatment as before. There may be altered nipple sensation.
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Procedure
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Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammaplasty) |
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Anaesthesia
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General |
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Hospital stay
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1 night stay |
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Removal of stitches
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1 week later |
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Return to work
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7 - 10 days |
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Full recovery
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6 weeks after for wound to heal fully and activity to resume fully |
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After care
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- Wear sports bra 24 hrs for 1 week and everyday for 6 weeks
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Breast augmentation does not increase or decrease the chances of later developing breast cancer. Hundreds of thousands of augmentation mammoplasties have been performed worldwide and there has never been any demonstrated relationship between breast enlargement treatment using implants and future breast cancer or other breast disease.
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure itself takes about one to one and half-hours as a general guide. An overnight stay in the Hospital is required. After surgery a supportive dressing maybe placed over the breast. One day later this dressing is removed and a sports bra is applied.
Arm movements must be restricted for a few days. All stitches are disolvable and the patient can usually return to work within seven to ten days. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise must definitely be avoided for three weeks, and patients should take six weeks to gradually resume full activity.
This web site has been prepared to give a basic understanding of the procedure before a consultation takes place, and to cover many of the questions frequently asked about this type of cosmetic surgery. Any risks and potential complications, together with any questions you may have, will be discussed fully at consultation with the surgeon. Final decisions should not be made until an individual assessment has taken place with the surgeon.
There is no obligation on the part of the patient to undergo surgery by attending for consultation. If you have any further questions or would like to arrange a consultation please do not hesitate to call us.
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