Breast enlargement is a procedure used to increase breast size with implants. Breast implant surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make a cut (incision). The exact location of the incision will be discussed with you before the procedure. It will depend on the shape and size of your breasts and where you would like the scars to be. After the incision has been made, the implants will be put in place. The implant can either be positioned between your breast tissue and your chest muscle, or behind your chest muscle. Your surgeon will be able to offer advice about the position that’s best for you. Once the implants are in place, the incisions are closed using stitches, which will usually be covered with a dressing.
Breast implant surgery can be carried out as day surgery, which means you’ll be able to go home the same day. However, sometimes you may need to stay in hospital overnight. If the stitches used aren’t dissolvable, they will be removed after 7 to 14 days. Surgeons usually recommend wearing a tight-fitting sports bra 24 hours a day for up to three months after breast surgery. Post-surgical bras are available but you can also buy support/sports bras from high street retailers and supermarkets.
Most breast implants last about 10 to 15 years, after which time they may need to be replaced.
What are the risks?
As well as the general risks of surgery, specific risks of having breast implants include:
- visible creases may develop in the skin around your implants
- your implants may lose their shape
- your implants may split (rupture) – warning signs include lumpiness, swelling, redness and tenderness in the breast
You should contact your surgeon or GP if you are concerned about your implants. Further surgery may be needed to replace them if there’s a problem.
More information can be found on the following websites:
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Breast-implants/Pages/Complications.aspx
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Breast-implants/Pages/PIP-introduction.aspx
http://baaps.org.uk/procedures/breast-augmentation
Www.baaps.org.uk/public/patient-information/surgery-guides/breast-enlargement
Post-surgery bras:
www.macom-medical.com/post-surgery/bras
www.ideal-ms.com/shop/standard-line/z-bra-medical
www.recovapostsurgery.com