Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that aims to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. It is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures worldwide. The primary goal of breast augmentation is to increase breast volume and improve the overall appearance of the breasts.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation can offer several benefits to individuals who choose to undergo the procedure. These benefits include:
Enhanced Breast Size and Shape
Breast augmentation can help women achieve their desired breast size and shape. It is an effective solution for women who feel that their breasts are disproportionately small or lack volume. The procedure can provide a more balanced and proportionate appearance, improving overall body symmetry.
Improved Self-Confidence and Body Image
Many women who opt for breast augmentation report a significant boost in self-confidence and body image. Achieving their desired breast size can help individuals feel more comfortable in their own bodies and enhance their overall self-esteem. This newfound confidence can positively impact various aspects of their lives, including personal relationships and professional endeavors.
Restoring Breast Volume
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, and aging can cause a loss of breast volume, leading to deflated or sagging breasts. Breast augmentation can restore lost volume, giving the breasts a fuller and more youthful appearance. This can help women regain their pre-pregnancy or desired breast shape, enhancing their overall body contour.
Post-Mastectomy Reconstruction
Breast augmentation is often part of breast reconstruction procedures for women who have undergone mastectomy (removal of one or both breasts) due to breast cancer or other medical reasons. It can help restore a sense of femininity and improve psychological well-being for women who have undergone such significant medical treatments.
Correcting Breast Asymmetry
Many women naturally have asymmetrical breasts, with one breast being larger or shaped differently than the other. Breast augmentation can help address breast asymmetry by improving volume, shape, and position, creating a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.
Anaesthetic
General anaesthetic
Surgery Time
2-3 Hours
Drains
Sometimes
Recovery garments
Bra
Hospital stay
1-2 nights
Follow-up
1 week and 2 weeks after discharge
Return to desk-based work
2-3 weeks
Return to driving
4 weeks
Return to sport
6 weeks
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Breast augmentation surgery
Breast augmentation surgery is typically performed in a hospital or surgical center and involves the following steps:
Anesthesia
The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia. The options include general anesthesia, which puts the patient to sleep throughout the surgery, or intravenous sedation combined with local anesthesia, which keeps the patient relaxed and pain-free during the procedure.
Incision Placement
The surgeon will make incisions in predetermined locations based on the patient’s anatomy and the chosen implant type. The most common incision options include:
- Inframammary Incision: The incision is made along the crease underneath the breast.
- Periareolar Incision: The incision is made along the lower border of the areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple).
- Transaxillary Incision: The incision is made in the armpit, allowing for a hidden scar.
Creating Implant Pockets
After making the incisions, the surgeon creates pockets to place the breast implants. There are two primary placement options:
- Subglandular Placement: The implants are positioned behind the breast tissue but above the pectoral muscle.
- Submuscular Placement: The implants are positioned partially or entirely beneath the pectoral muscle.
The choice of implant placement depends on factors such as the patient’s anatomy, implant size, and surgeon’s recommendation.
Implant Insertion
The surgeon carefully inserts the selected breast implants into the pockets created in the previous step. Silicone or saline implants are commonly used. Silicone implants come pre-filled, while saline implants are inserted empty and then filled with sterile saline solution.
Implant Insertion
The surgeon carefully inserts the selected breast implants into the pockets created in the previous step. Silicone or saline implants are commonly used. Silicone implants come pre-filled, while saline implants are inserted empty and then filled with sterile saline solution.
Incision Closure
After the implants are correctly positioned, the surgeon closes the incisions using sutures or surgical adhesive. They may also place temporary drains to remove any excess fluid or blood.
Post-operative Care & Recovery
The patient is moved to a recovery area, where they are monitored for a brief period before being released to go home. The surgeon provides instructions on post-operative care, including medication, wearing a supportive bra, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments.
Breast augmentation surgery typically takes around one to two hours, although the duration may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. The recovery period varies for each individual, but most patients can return to their normal activities within a few weeks, following the surgeon’s guidelines.
It is essential for individuals considering breast augmentation to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon, discuss their goals, understand the surgical process, and have realistic expectations about the results and recovery.
Breast augmentation surgeon London
Mr Khan is a Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon in Central London.
He is on the GMC specialist register for Plastic Surgery and is a fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, a member of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).
Mr Khan is a leading plastic surgeon in London and can guide you through the process and offer the best recommendations, surgery and aftercare to give you peace of mind.
Book an Appointment
If you’re interested in Breast Augmentation, please get in touch. The first step is to make contact to book a consultation where we can discuss the different options and for you to ask questions about the surgery.
