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Many women who are considering undergoing breast augmentation may be hesitant because of the thought of staying overnight in a hospital.
Fortunately, Centre for Surgery offers day-case breast surgery in London.
What does day-case surgery mean?
Centre for Surgery is an outpatient surgical clinic. This means that you can return home on the same day as your procedure and will be allowed to leave once the effects of the general anaesthetic have worn off.
What are the benefits of day-case surgery?
There are numerous benefits to a procedure performed as a day case. These include:
- Quicker recovery time: you won’t have to spend any time recovering in a hospital bed. Instead, you can return home and recover in your bed. This will allow you to be in a familiar environment where you can get a more comfortable night’s sleep.
- Lower infection risk: because you aren’t staying in a hospital overnight, your risk of gaining an infection significantly lowers.
- Keeps costs low: Going home on the same day means you will not have to pay to stay in a hospital, so the cost of your procedure will be lower.
- Personalised service: From your first consultation to your surgery to your recovery appointments, you will see the same surgeon and patient consultant.
How can breast surgery be performed as a day case?
Before attending your surgery, you must consult with one of our breast surgeons. This will generally take place at least two weeks before your surgical date. This consultation will allow you to discuss your reasons for wishing to undergo breast augmentation. You will be assessed to see whether or not you are an eligible candidate for this procedure. This will include discussing your medical history. The surgeon will also be able to help you choose the size, shape, texture and placement of your implants.
Breast augmentation at Centre for Surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic we pioneered known as TIVA. Unlike other forms of general anaesthetic, TIVA does not involve the use of volatile gases. It also allows you to wake up much faster following your procedure, and you can leave quickly after your surgery. This anaesthetic has allowed us to perform breast augmentation as a day case.
Surgeons at the Centre for Surgery use delicate techniques to ensure the surgical area remains dry and blood-free. This technique helps lower the risk of infection and complications during and following the procedure.
What is involved in breast surgery?
Before surgery, you will be given the TIVA anaesthetic so you will not be awake throughout the whole procedure.
Surgery will involve an incision beneath or below the breast. The surgeon will then use the Keller funnel technique to insert the implant either behind or in front of the muscle. The Keller funnel involves a plastic funnel into which the implant is inserted. This is also called the ‘no touch’ technique, as using the funnel eliminates the need for the surgeon to touch the implant. This helps to lower the risk of bacteria getting onto the implant and lowers the risk of capsular contracture occurring.
Once the implant is in place, the incision will be stitched shut and covered with a dressing.
The whole procedure should take between one to two hours to complete.
What is involved in the recovery period from day case breast surgery?
As previously mentioned, you will be able to return home the same day as your breast augmentation procedure once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. You will need to have someone who will be able to drive you home from the clinic, or you can arrange for a chaperone.
It is normal to experience some bruising, redness and swelling around the incision site. You may wish to take pain medication during this time frame.
You will be given a compression garment, which you will need to wear. This will help to reduce any swelling and ensure your breasts stay in the best shape possible.
You will need to avoid any strenuous physical activity, including any heavy lifting, for four weeks. After this time frame, you will be able to resume light activities. You can resume your usual day-to-day activities after a total of six weeks. You will also have to avoid driving for at least one week.
Are you interested in undergoing breast surgery as a day case at Centre for Surgery? Contact us today to find out more information or to book a consultation.
