What to Know Before Your Breast Augmentation

What to Know Before Your Breast Augmentation

• 27 February 2025
• Mr Hazem Alfie

Last updated on February 27, 2025

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide, helping women enhance their breast size, restore lost volume and achieve a more balanced figure. But what is breast augmentation exactly? It’s a surgical procedure that involves placing breast implants to increase volume, improve symmetry, or reshape the breasts for a more proportionate look.

From choosing the right type of breast implants to understanding the surgical process and recovery timeline, knowing what to expect before surgery is key to achieving results that align with your goals. At Delta Clinics, our specialist plastic surgeons provide expert guidance and tailored treatment plans to ensure each patient receives the best possible outcome.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before your breast augmentation – from consultation and preparation to implant choices and recovery – so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Your Consultation: What to Expect Before Surgery

Before you undergo breast augmentation, a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential. This allows for a thorough assessment of your goals and ensures you choose the best approach for your body type and lifestyle.

What Happens During the Consultation?

• Medical History Review – Your surgeon will review any past medical conditions, previous surgeries and lifestyle factors (such as smoking) that may impact healing.
• Breast Assessment – The amount of natural breast tissue, skin elasticity and chest proportions will be evaluated to determine the best implant size and type.
• Implant Options – Your surgeon will explain the differences between silicone breast implants and saline breast implants, helping you choose based on your desired look and feel.
• Surgical Techniques – The placement of implants (above or below the muscle) and the incision type will be discussed to suit your anatomy.
• Potential Risks and Considerations – As with any surgical procedure, breast augmentation patients should be aware of possible complications, including capsular contracture, implant rupture and scar tissue formation.

How to Prepare for Your Breast Augmentation

Once you’ve decided to proceed with breast augmentation, preparing in advance will help ensure a smooth procedure and recovery process.

Pre-Surgical Instructions

• Medical Tests – Some patients may require blood tests or imaging to confirm their suitability for surgery.
• Medication Adjustments – Blood thinners and certain supplements should be paused before surgery to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
• Lifestyle Changes – Smoking should be avoided as it can impact circulation and slow down healing. Maintaining a stable weight is also recommended to ensure long-lasting results.

Surgical Planning

Ahead of the procedure, your surgeon will mark the skin to determine the exact placement of the incisions and implants. This step helps ensure breast symmetry and an aesthetically pleasing result.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes 1-2 hours. While techniques vary depending on individual goals, the procedure generally follows these key steps:

Surgical Steps

1. Anaesthesia Administration – General anaesthesia is administered to ensure patient comfort.
2. Incision Placement – The surgeon makes a small incision in one of the following areas:

• Inframammary (under the breast fold): A common choice that allows precise implant placement with minimal visible scarring.
• Periareolar (around the nipple): Suitable for those also undergoing a breast lift.
• Transaxillary (under the armpit): Leaves no scar on the breast itself but requires specialised techniques.

3. Implant Placement – Breast implants are positioned in one of two ways:

• Above the muscle (subglandular placement): Suitable for patients with adequate natural breast tissue.
  Below the muscle (submuscular placement): Provides a more natural slope and reduces the risk of visible rippling.

4. Closing the Incisions – The incisions are carefully closed with sutures and surgical dressings are applied to support healing.

Choosing the Right Breast Implants

Selecting the right type of breast implant is one of the most important decisions before surgery. At Delta Clinics, we offer both silicone and saline implants, each with its own advantages.

Breast Implant Options

Implant Type	Composition	Benefits
Silicone Breast Implants	Filled with a cohesive silicone gel	Offers a natural feel and movement
Saline Breast Implants	Filled with sterile saltwater	Requires a smaller incision and allows for minor size adjustments

Key Considerations

• Breast Size Goals – The ideal implant size depends on your anatomy and desired outcome.
• Natural vs. Enhanced Look – Silicone breast implants typically feel more natural, while saline implants provide flexibility in size adjustments.
• Breast Tissue and Skin Elasticity – Your natural breast tissue plays a role in determining the best implant placement.

Understanding the differences between implant types before your surgery will help you make an informed decision. Your plastic surgeon will guide you through this process to ensure the best outcome for your body and goals.

Recovery & Post-Surgical Care

Following post-operative instructions is essential for a smooth recovery and optimal breast augmentation results.

Immediate Aftercare

• Compression Garment – A supportive bra must be worn to minimise swelling and aid in implant positioning.
• Swelling and Bruising – These are common side effects that gradually subside over the first few weeks.
• Activity Restrictions – Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities during the initial recovery phase.

Healing Timeline

• 1-2 Weeks: Most patients can return to light activities, though some discomfort may persist.
• 3-6 Months: Implants settle into their final position and the breasts take on their natural shape.
• Long-Term Results: Breast enlargement operations provide lasting enhancement, though weight fluctuations and natural ageing can affect breast tissue over time.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation is more than just a cosmetic procedure – it’s a transformative journey that can enhance your shape, restore confidence and help you feel more in tune with your body. Whether you’re looking to increase volume, correct asymmetry, or regain fullness after pregnancy or weight loss, choosing the right implants and an experienced plastic surgeon is essential to achieving results that look and feel natural.

Understanding the process before undergoing surgery allows you to make informed choices, ensuring a smooth experience and the best possible outcome. At Delta Clinics we provide personalised breast augmentation procedures tailored to each patient’s unique goals and body type. From your initial consultation to full recovery, our team is committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Take the Next Step with Delta Clinics

At Delta Clinics, we combine expert care, cutting-edge technology and personalised attention to help you achieve your goals. Ready to start your journey? Book your consultation today:

• WhatsApp: 07498213451
• Call us: 02034410450
• Email: info@deltaclinics.co.uk

FAQs

What is the difference between silicone implants and saline implants?

Silicone implants contain a cohesive gel that closely mimics natural breast tissue, while saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater. Both options are used in breast enlargement surgery and your surgeon will recommend the best fit based on your goals.

Can breast implant surgery correct uneven breasts?

Yes, cosmetic breast augmentation surgery can improve breast symmetry by using different implant sizes or placements. This helps create a more balanced, proportionate appearance.

Does breast augmentation increase the risk of breast cancer?

There is no direct link between breast implants and breast cancer. However, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare condition linked to certain textured implants, which your surgeon will discuss during your consultation.

What are the risks of breast surgery?

As with any cosmetic surgery, risks include infection, scarring and changes in sensation. Capsular contracture, where scar tissue hardens around the implant, is another possible complication.

What is breast implant illness?

Breast implant illness (BII) refers to a range of symptoms some patients believe are linked to implants, including fatigue and joint pain. While not officially recognised as a medical condition, some patients choose implant removal if symptoms persist.

Can breast implants be used for reconstruction after breast cancer?

Yes, breast reconstruction patients often choose implants to restore breast shape after a mastectomy. Your surgeon will discuss options to achieve the most natural results.

Will I need a breast lift as well as augmentation?

If you have significant sagging, combining a breast lift with augmentation can improve both volume and breast position. Your surgeon will assess whether a lift is necessary to achieve your desired results.