Breast Augmentation (Enlargement)
This webpage will give you information about a breast
augmentation. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What is a breast augmentation?
A breast augmentation is an operation to insert silicone
implants to make your breasts bigger, and usually to improve their
shape.
What are the benefits of surgery?
If the operation is successful, your breasts should be larger
and have a better shape.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Using padded bras or bra inserts can make your breasts look
bigger with a better shape.
Natural breast enhancement pills may help to increase the size
of your breasts. However, these pills have not been properly
tested.
You may benefit from using the Brava® system that involves using
a special bra to apply gentle suction to your breasts. However, the
long-term results are not known.
What kind of breast implant should I choose?
All implants are made of an outer layer (shell) of silicone.
They can be filled with silicone, salt water (saline) or both.
The silicone used to fill the implant can be in the form of a
liquid or gel (cohesive silicone). Liquid silicone and saline
implants give a softer and more natural feel. Cohesive silicone
implants give a firmer feel and can come in more shapes.
Textured liquid implants with a simple round shape often give as
good results as shaped cohesive-gel implants.
Is silicone safe?
Many studies have been carried out to find if silicone breast
implants are safe. There is no evidence to suggest that women who
have silicone breast implants are at a higher risk of getting
diseases such as cancer and arthritis.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and
usually takes about an hour and a half.
Your surgeon will usually place the implant directly behind your
breast as this gives the most natural result. However, if you do
not have enough breast skin and tissue to cover the implant, they
may recommend placing the implant behind the pectoral muscle (see
figure 1).
Your surgeon will usually place the implant through a cut in the
crease under the breast (inframammary fold) and create a pocket to
place the implant in.
Figure 1
a Implant placed in front of the muscle
b Implant placed behind the muscle
What complications can happen?
1 General complications
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Minor infection
- Unsightly scarring
- Blood clots
2 Specific complications
-
Developing a collection of blood or fluid in the pocket where
the implant is
-
Infection of the implant
-
Change of breast and nipple sensation
-
Thickening and tightening of the capsule
-
Kinking and rippling
-
Stiff shoulder
-
Numbness or persistent pain on the outer part of your breast
-
Rupture or deflation of the implant
-
Cosmetic problems
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home the same day or the day after.
Most women return to normal activities within two to three
weeks. You should be able to return to work after the first week,
depending on your type of job. You should be able to do a limited
amount of activity, such as lifting young children, after about two
weeks.
It usually takes a few weeks for your breasts to look and feel
more natural. The results of a breast augmentation usually last for
a long time.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities
as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a
member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Summary
A breast augmentation is a cosmetic operation to make your
breasts bigger, and usually to improve their shape. It is only
suitable for certain women. You should consider the options
carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Eoin O’ Broin MD FRCS (Plast) and Miss Kalliope
Valassiadou MD, Consultant Breast and General Surgeon
Illustrations: Mr Eoin O’ Broin MD FRCS (Plast)
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2011 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on this website is produced
by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Ramsay Health Care
UK. The intellectual property rights to the information belong
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You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any
of the information other than for your personal, non-commercial
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The information should not replace advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.