If you’re considering breast augmentation, it’s best to know all the facts. Here, we have answered all your commonly asked questions so you can be well informed before your breast augmentation.
Should I have breast augmentation?
You will need to be assessed before you can undergo breast augmentation to ensure you are an appropriate candidate.
Patients who want breast augmentation must be in good physical health. If you are a smoker, you will heal better if you refrain from or quit smoking.
Candidates who generally seek breast augmentation are those who have, over long periods of time, sought to improve their self-esteem or aesthetic appearance by increasing the size of their breasts. This can include women who have had children, have had a mastectomy, or have congenital deformities.
Who shouldn’t have breast augmentation?
We do not offer breast augmentation to those who:
- Are under 18 years old
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have an infection in their breasts
- Have had radiation therapy
Before the procedure, you need to consider why you want breast augmentation. It is important that you are undertaking the procedure for yourself, whether that be to boost aesthetic looks or self-esteem, rather than to please another person.
What size implant should I get?
When undergoing breast augmentation, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is what size implant to get.
There are a few factors which will influence what size implants you should get. This includes your overall goals and the frame of your body. You will need to have enough tissue to cover and hide the implant. If the size you have chosen is too big, the implant edges may be visible post surgery. The same implant will look different on each person, so prior to the procedure the surgeon will carefully consult with you to ensure the correct size and shape is selected.
What are the different placement of the implants?
During the surgery, the implant will either be placed under the pectoralis (chest) muscle (sub-muscular) or over the pectoralis muscle, between the breast tissue and chest muscle (sub-glandular). The placement of the implant will affect the end result of the breast augmentation.
So how do you decide which placement to have? There are pros and cons of both sub-muscular and sub-glandular placement.
The sub-muscular placement:
- Gives a more natural look in the cleavage area
- Results in the edges of the implant being less visible
- X-rays and mammograms are easier to analyse
- The operation will take longer
- There is more discomfort experienced during recovery
- Is more suitable for those who are thin or those who are requesting large implants.
Meanwhile, the sub-glandular placement:
- Gives a more spherical appearance, making it look more like an implant. The implant will appear more round and full
- Has a quicker surgery time
- Has a quicker recovery time with less discomfort felt
- The edges of the implant will be slightly more visible
- X-rays and mammograms can be somewhat more difficult to analyse
- Not recommended for those who are slim
What is the recovery time?
Recovery times will vary from patient to patient. It is common to experience symptoms including swelling, bruising, and general discomfort. You can receive medication to help with pain management.
In the first 72 hours following the procedure, it is recommended you use ice, and sleep with your head elevated with two to three pillows. After this time period, you will be able to increase your physical activity. Patients are generally able to drive one week after the surgery.
Is breast augmentation safe?
At Centre For Surgery, we use silicone breast implants, which are approved by the UK medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency (MHRA).
As with any medical procedure, there are risks involved with breast augmentation. However, breast implants are considered to be safe with little complications afterwards.
Interested in breast augmentation? Check out our breast augmentation page, or contact Centre For Surgery for a consultation.